Attachment device and method for controlling electronic device thereof

ABSTRACT

A technique for controlling an electronic device thereof is provided. The technique includes, in response to an attachment device being selected by an external device from a list of attachment devices, receiving and storing mapping information in which data configured in a first communication format and data configured in a second communication format in relation to one function of the electronic device to which the attachment device is attached are mapped. In addition, in response to the data configured in the first communication format being received from an external device which is communicably connected with the attachment device, the data configured in the second communication format corresponding to the data configured in the first communication format based on the mapping information is acquired, and the data configured in the second communication format to the electronic device to control the one function of the electronic device to be performed is transmitted.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation application of prior application Ser.No. 14/955,886, filed on Dec. 1, 2015, which was based on and claimedpriority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) of a Korean patent application number10-2014-0169798, filed on Dec. 1, 2014, in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an attachment device and a method forcontrolling an electronic device thereof. More particularly, the presentdisclosure relates to an attachment device which receives data from anexternal device and controls an electronic device using the data, and amethod for controlling an electronic device thereof.

BACKGROUND

Smart home technology refers to technology which interconnects indoorelectronic devices provided with a network function, and monitors andcontrols the electronic devices.

A user can remotely control the indoor electronic devices using thesmart home technology regardless of place or time. For example, the usermay control the indoor electronic devices to operate at a desired timeat a user's office.

The smart home technology is developing in various ways in recent yearswith the development of wire and wireless communication networks and thedevelopment of user terminal devices. For example, the indoor electronicdevices can be controlled using a smartphone, and in particular, can becontrolled in an efficient and integrated manner with a smartphone andan indoor hub interworking with each other.

The above information is presented as background information only toassist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determinationhas been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the abovemight be applicable as prior art with regard to the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

In the smart home environment, the indoor electronic devices may beconnected with one another via a communication network. However, inorder to establish the smart home environment for all of the indoorelectronic devices, existing old-fashioned electronic devices (so-calledlegacy devices) without a communication network function should bereplaced with new electronic devices.

Aspects of the present disclosure are to address at least theabove-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at leastthe advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the presentdisclosure is to provide a method for establishing a smart homeenvironment without replacing legacy devices with new electronicdevices. In particular, an aspect of the present disclosure is toprovide a method for monitoring and controlling legacy devices using alow-cost attachment device which is attachable to things or persons likea patch. The things recited herein include an electronic deviceincluding a legacy device, furniture, a manufactured product such as atoy, and a part of a building such as a wall, a pillar, a door, a floor,etc., and also includes various kinds of things having a surface whichoccupies a space and to which an attachment device is attachable.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a method forcontrolling an electronic device in an attachment device is provided.The method includes receiving and storing mapping information in whichdata configured in a first communication format and data configured in asecond communication format in relation to one function of theelectronic device to which the attachment device is attached are mapped,receiving the data configured in the first communication format from auser terminal or a hub which is communicably connected with theattachment device, acquiring the data configured in the secondcommunication format corresponding to the data configured in the firstcommunication format based on the stored mapping information, andtransmitting the data configured in the second communication format tothe electronic device to which the attachment device is attached tocontrol the one function of the electronic device to be performed.

The receiving and storing of the mapping information related to the onefunction of the electronic device to which the attachment device isattached may include, in response to the attachment device beingselected from an attachment device list of the user terminal, receivingthe mapping information related to the one function of the electronicdevice to which the attachment device is attached from at least one ofthe user terminal, the hub, and a cloud.

The method may further include transmitting information on an operationstate of the electronic device to which the attachment device isattached to at least one of the user terminal, the hub, and a cloud.

The transmitting of the data configured in the second communicationformat to the electronic device to which the attachment device isattached may include transmitting the data configured in the secondcommunication format to the electronic device to which the attachmentdevice is attached based on an operation state of the electronic device.

The transmitting of the data configured in the second communicationformat to the electronic device may include transmitting the dataconfigured in the second communication format to the electronic deviceto which the attachment device is attached based on surroundingenvironment information of the attachment device.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a methodfor controlling an electronic device in a user terminal is provided. Themethod includes displaying a list of a plurality of attachment deviceswhich are attachable to the electronic device, receiving a user input toselect an attachment device to control the electronic device from theattachment device list, and, in response to the user input, controllingto transmit, to the selected attachment device, mapping information inwhich data configured in a first communication format and dataconfigured in a second communication format in relation to one functionof the electronic device are mapped.

The method may further include mapping identification information of theelectronic device and identification information of the selectedattachment device, and storing the mapping information.

The method may further include displaying information related to afunction of the electronic device which is controllable by theattachment device.

The controlling to transmit the mapping information to the selectedattachment device may include controlling, by at least one of the userterminal, the hub, and a cloud, to transmit the mapping information tothe selected attachment device.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, anattachment device which controls an electronic device is provided. Theattachment device includes a storage configured to store mappinginformation in which data configured in a first communication format anddata configured in a second communication format in relation to onefunction of the electronic device to which the attachment device isattached are mapped, a communication unit configured to receive the dataconfigured in the first communication format from a user terminal or ahub which is communicably connected with the attachment device, and aprocessor configured to acquire the data configured in the secondcommunication format corresponding to the data configured in the firstcommunication format based on the mapping information stored in thestorage, and control the communication unit to transmit the dataconfigured in the second communication format to the electronic deviceto which the attachment device is attached.

The attachment device may further include an attachment part which isattachable to the electronic device.

The attachment device may be formed of a plurality of layers which arestacked, and at least one of the communication unit, the processor, andthe storage unit of the attachment device may be included in at leastone of the plurality of layers.

In response to the attachment device being selected from an attachmentdevice list of the user terminal, the communication unit may beconfigured to receive, from at least one of the user terminal, the hub,and a cloud, the mapping information in which the data configured in thefirst communication format and the data configured in the secondcommunication format in relation to the one function of the electronicdevice to which the attachment device is attached are mapped.

The communication unit may be configured to transmit information on anoperation state of the electronic device to which the attachment deviceis attached to at least one of the user terminal, the hub, and a cloud.

The attachment device may further include a sensing unit configured todetect an operation state of the attachment device, and thecommunication unit may be configured to transmit the data configured inthe second communication format to the electronic device to which theattachment device is attached based on an operation state of theelectronic device.

The attachment device may further include a sensing unit configured todetect a surrounding environment of the attachment device, and thecommunication unit may be configured to transmit the data configured inthe second communication format to the electronic device to which theattachment device is attached based on surrounding environmentinformation of the attachment device.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a userterminal which controls an electronic device is provided. The userterminal includes a display configured to display a list of a pluralityof attachment devices which are attachable to the electronic device anda processor configured to, in response to a user input to select anattachment device to control the electronic device from the attachmentdevice list, control to transmit, to the selected attachment device,mapping information in which data configured in a first communicationformat and data configured in a second communication format in relationto one function of the electronic device are mapped.

The user terminal may further include a storage configured to mapidentification information of the electronic device and identificationinformation of the selected attachment device, and store the mappinginformation.

The display may be configured to display information related to afunction of the electronic device which is controllable by theattachment device.

The processor may be configured to control at least one of the userterminal, the hub, and a cloud to transmit the mapping information tothe selected attachment device.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure describedabove, the user can establish a smart home environment includingexisting legacy devices using an attachment device, which can be simplyinstalled with low cost.

In particular, the user can control electronic devices in user's house,and detect an environment, things, and electronic devices in the homeusing the attachment device. Accordingly, a secure environment can beestablished in the house.

In addition, the attachment device has a layered structure in which aplurality of layers including different function modules are formed. Inthis case, an area of the attachment device which is attached to aperson or a thing is minimized, and thus a side effect caused byattaching can be reduced and various customized attachment devices canbe manufactured according to a layered structure.

As described above, existing legacy devices can be included in the smartenvironment using the attachment device, and the functions of a normalsmart device can be enhanced. Therefore, smart devices as well as legacydevices can be effectively utilized.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings,discloses various embodiments of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certainembodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are block diagrams showing a system accordingto various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a table which is stored in atleast one of an attachment device, a cloud, a hub, and a user terminalaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a user terminalaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a view showing a structure of software which is stored in auser terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an attachmentdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of an attachment device according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a view showing various attachment shapes of an attachmentdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a view showing another example of an attachment deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a view showing another example of an attachment deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a view showing another example of an attachment deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a view showing an overall process according to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a view showing an overall process according to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIGS. 13, 14, 15A, 15B, 16, 17, and 18 are views showing a process ofsearching and matching an electronic device and an attachment deviceaccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 19 and 20 are views showing a process of controlling an electronicdevice according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 21 and 22 are views showing a process of preventing malfunctionduring use of an electronic device according to various embodiments ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a view showing a process of managing power of an attachmentdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a view showing a process of controlling an electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D, 27A, 27B, 28A, 28B, 28C,29, and 30 are views illustrating a process of attaching an attachmentdevice to a thing and utilizing the same according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 31, 32, 33A, 33B, 33C, 34, and 35 are views showing a process ofattaching an attachment device to a person and utilizing the sameaccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 36A, 36B, and 36C are views showing a processing of attaching anddetaching some of a plurality of layers of an attachment deviceaccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 37 is a view showing various examples of attaching an attachmentdevice to a person according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 38 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration ofa system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 39, 40, 41, and 42 are flowcharts to illustrate a method forcontrolling a portable terminal according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood torefer to like parts, components, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings isprovided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of variousembodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and theirequivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in thatunderstanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatvarious changes and modifications of the various embodiments describedherein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of thepresent disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functionsand constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are notlimited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by theinventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in theart that the following description of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for thepurpose of limiting the present disclosure as defined by the appendedclaims and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes referenceto one or more of such surfaces.

The terms used in the various embodiments of the present disclosure aregeneral terms which are widely used now and selected considering thefunctions of the present disclosure. However, the terms may varydepending on the intention of a person skilled in the art, a precedent,or the advent of new technology. In addition, in a specified case, theterm arbitrarily selected by the applicant may be used. In this case,the meaning of the term will be explained in the correspondingdescription of the present disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in thepresent disclosure should be defined based on the meanings of the termsand the descriptions made herein, rather than the names of the terms.

The terms such as “first” and “second” may be used to describe variouselements, but the elements should not be limited by these terms. Theseterms may be used for the purpose of distinguishing one element fromanother element.

In addition, it should be understood that the term “include” or“comprise” used in the various embodiments of the present disclosure isto indicate the presence of features, numbers, operations, elements,parts, or a combination thereof described in the specifications, and donot preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,numbers, operations, elements, parts, or a combination thereof.

A “module” or “unit” used in the various embodiments of the presentdisclosure performs at least one function or operation, and may beimplemented by hardware or software or a combination of hardware andsoftware. In addition, a plurality of “modules” or a plurality of“units” may be integrated into at least one module and may beimplemented as at least one processor (not shown), except for a “module”or “unit” which needs to be implemented by specific hardware.

It will be understood that, when an element is “connected” with anotherelement, the element may be “directly connected” with another element,and also, the element may be “electrically connected” with anotherelement with an intervening element therebetween. In addition, it willbe understood that, when a certain part “includes” a certain element,the certain part may not exclude another element and may further includeanother element unless this term is defined otherwise.

Hereinafter, the various embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings,so that a person skilled in the art can easily implement the variousembodiments of the present disclosure. The various embodiments of thepresent disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the various embodiments of thepresent disclosure set forth herein. In addition, illustration of partshaving nothing to do with the explanation of the present disclosure isomitted from the drawings to clearly explain the present disclosure.Throughout the specification, similar reference numerals are used forsimilar elements.

In addition, in the various embodiments of the present disclosure, auser input may include, but not limited to, at least one of a touchinput, a bending input, a voice input, a button input, and a multimodalinput.

In addition, in the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the“touch input” refers to a user input which is performed by a user on adisplay and a cover to control a device. In addition, the “touch input”may include a touch which is not performed in contact with the displayand is performed at a predetermined distance or more from the display(for example, floating or hovering). The touch input may include, butnot limited to, a touch & hold gesture, a tap gesture which is made bylightly touching and then releasing the touch, a double tap gesture, apanning gesture, a flick gesture, a touch and drag gesture which is madeby touching and then moving in one direction, a pinch gesture, etc.

In addition, in the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the“button input” refers to an input which is performed by a user using aphysical button attached to a device to control the device.

In addition, in the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the“motion input” refers to a motion which is made by a user to control adevice. For example, the motion input may include a user's input ofrotating or tilting a device or moving a device vertically andhorizontally.

In addition, in the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the“multimodal input” refers to a combination of at least two inputmethods. For example, a device may receive user's touch input and motioninput, or may receive user's touch input and voice input.

In addition, in the various embodiments of the present disclosure, an“application” refers to a set of computer programs which are designed toperform a specific job. In the various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, various applications may be provided. For example, theapplication may include, but not limited to, a game application, amoving image reproduction application, a map application, a memoapplication, a calendar application, a phone book application, abroadcasting application, an exercise supporting application, a paymentapplication, a photo folder application, etc.

In addition, in the various embodiments of the present disclosure,“application identification information” may be unique information fordistinguishing an application from another application. For example, theidentification information of an application may be, but not limited to,an icon, an index item, link information, etc.

In addition, in the various embodiments of the present disclosure, auser interface (UI) element refers to an element which can interact witha user and provide visual, auditory, and olfactory feedback in responseto a user input. The UI element may be expressed in at least one form ofan image, a text, and a moving image. In addition, an area which doesnot display the above-described information but can provide feedback inresponse to a user input may be referred to as an UI element. Inaddition, the UI element may be the above-described applicationidentification information.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will beexplained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A to 1D are block diagrams showing a system 10 according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the system 10 may include a user terminal 11, acloud 51 including at least one external server, and a hub 31, at leastone electronic device 41-4N, and at least one attachment device 21-2N,which are located in user's house.

The user terminal 11 may provide a screen including a UI for connectingthe at least one attachment device 21-2N and at least one electronicdevice 41-4N. In this case, the user terminal 11 may perform an initialsetting process to connect the at least one attachment device 21-2N andthe at least one electronic device 41-4N according to a user inputthrough the UI.

In addition, the user terminal 11 may provide a screen including a UIfor controlling the at least one electronic device 41-4N using the atleast one attachment device 21-2N. In this case, the user terminal 11may generate control data for controlling the at least one electronicdevice 41-4N according to a user input through the UI, and transmit thecontrol data to the hub 31 or the at least one attachment device 21-2N.In this case, the above-described screens may be provided through adedicated application or may be provided as a part of a screen ofanother application.

In addition, the user terminal 11 may determine a user's behaviorpattern or a surrounding situation. For example, the user terminal 11may determine whether the user is being near to user's house, goinghome, or going to work. The technique for determining the user'sbehavior pattern or surrounding situation by the user terminal 11 couldbe implemented by a person skilled in the art and thus a detaileddescription thereof is omitted.

The cloud 51 may include at least one server to provide variousservices. For example, the cloud 51 may manage user's accounts, acquireand analyze a user's current situation or behavior pattern, andstore/manage/analyze user's log information (for example, content searchinformation, movement information, function execution information, etc.)

In addition, the cloud 51 may store a data base related toidentification information of the at least one electronic device 41-4N,and the control data. The control data may be mapped onto functions forcontrolling the at least one electronic device 41-4N, and may beconfigured in various communication formats according to communicationprotocols. For example, the control data may include data which isconfigured in a communication format according to a Bluetooth (BT)communication protocol or an infrared (IR) communication protocol.

The hub 31, the at least one electronic device 41-4N, and the at leastone attachment device 21-2N are included in user's house. However, thepresent disclosure is not limited to devices located in a house and maybe applied to an open environment.

The hub 31 may manage the at least one attachment device 21-2N. Inaddition, the hub 31 may be connected with the user terminal 11 toreceive control data to be transmitted to the at least one attachmentdevice 21-2N.

The hub 31 may store mapping information in which identificationinformation of the at least one attachment device 21-2N is mapped ontoidentification information of the at least one electronic device 41-4N.In addition, the hub 31 may store mapping information for convertingdata configured in a first communication format, which is received fromthe user terminal 11, into data configured in a second communicationformat, which is to be transmitted to the attachment device 21.

The at least one attachment device 21-2N may store mapping informationin which the data configured in the first communication format and thedata configured in the second communication format are mapped.

In response to the data configured in the first communication formatbeing received from the hub 31, the at least one attachment device 21-2Nmay acquire the data configured in the second communication format usingthe mapping information. In this case, the acquiring the data configuredin the second communication format corresponding to the data configuredin the first communication format based on the mapping information mayinclude searching and acquiring the data configured in the secondcommunication format corresponding to the data configured in the firstcommunication format using a mapping table. In addition, the acquiringmay include converting the data configured in the first communicationformat into the data configured in the second communication format usinga conversion equation or a conversion table. In this case, the mappinginformation may be information for mapping and may be a conversionequation or a conversion table.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a table which is stored in atleast one of the attachment device 21, the cloud 51, the hub 31, and theuser terminal 11 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 in FIG. 2 indicates a tablein which the identification information of the electronic device 41 andthe identification information of the attachment device 21 are mapped.

In response to the attachment device 21 being selected by the user tocontrol the electronic device 41, the user terminal 11 may generate atable in which the identification information of the electronic device41 and the identification information of the attachment device 21 aremapped. When there exist a plurality of electronic devices 41-4N and aplurality of attachment devices 21-2N, the identification information ofthe respective attachment devices 21-2N are mapped onto theidentification information of the respective electronic devices 41-4N inthe table. Alternatively, when the plurality of attachment devices 21-2Nare attached to the single electronic device 41, the identificationinformation of the plurality of attachment devices 21-2N may be mappedonto the identification information of the single electronic device 41.The user terminal 11 may share the table with the hub 31.

In another example, in response to the attachment device 21 beingselected by the user to control the electronic device 41, the userterminal 11 may transmit the identification information of theattachment device 21 to the hub 31. The hub 31 which has received theidentification information of the attachment device 21 may generate thetable in which the identification information of the electronic device41 and the identification information of the attachment device 21 aremapped.

Reference numerals 202 and 203 in FIG. 2 indicate tables in which dataconfigured in a plurality of communication formats in relation to thefunctions of the electronic device 41 are mapped.

In response to the attachment device 21 being selected by the user tocontrol the electronic device 41, the user terminal 11 may acquire atable in which the data configured in the first communication format andthe data configured in the second communication format in relation tothe plurality of functions of the electronic device 41 are mapped. Forexample, the first communication format may be an IR communicationformat, and the second communication format may be a BT communicationformat.

The table may be pre-stored in the user terminal 11 or may be acquiredby the user terminal 11 from a recording medium which is provided whenthe cloud 51 or the attachment device 21 is purchased. The user terminal11 may transmit the acquired table to the attachment device 21 via thehub 31 or may directly transmit the table to the attachment device 21.

For example, table 202 in FIG. 2 may include data configured in thefirst communication format and data configured in the secondcommunication format in relation to the functions of an air conditioneras the electronic device 41. For example, the table may include dataconfigured in the IR communication format and data configured in the BTcommunication format in relation to the functions of turning on power orincreasing temperature from among the functions of the air conditioner.

In addition, table 203 in FIG. 2 may include data configured in thefirst communication format and data configured in the secondcommunication format in relation to the functions of a digitaltelevision (TV) as the electronic device 42. For example, the table mayinclude data configured in the IR communication format and dataconfigured in the BT communication format in relation to the functionsof turning on power or increasing channel from among the functions ofthe digital TV.

FIG. 1B is a view showing an operating process of the system 10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B shows an example of controlling the function of an electronicdevice remotely.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the user terminal 11 may detect a user input tocontrol the electronic device 41 (for example, an air conditioner). Inresponse to the user input, the user terminal 11 may transmit dataconfigured in the first communication format (for example, Wi-Fi, 3^(rd)generation (3G), etc.) in relation to one function (for example, an ONfunction) of the electronic device (for example, an air conditioner) tothe indoor hub 31 via the cloud 51.

The hub 31 may acquire data configured in the second communicationformat (for example, BT, BT low energy (BLE), ZigBee, etc.)corresponding to the data configured in the first communication format,and transmit the data to the attachment device 21 attached to theelectronic device 41.

In another example, the first communication format and the secondcommunication format may be the same communication format. For example,when the user terminal 11 is located in the user's house, the userterminal 11 may transmit data configured in the BT communication formatto the hub 31. In this case, the hub 31 may transmit the data configuredin the BT communication format to the attachment device 21.

The attachment device 21 may receive the data configured in the secondcommunication format from the user terminal 11 or the hub 31, acquiredata configured in a third communication format (for example, an IRcommunication format) corresponding to the data configured in the secondcommunication format, and transmit the data to the electronic device 41to which the attachment device 21 is attached.

In response to the data configured in the third communication format,the electronic device 41 may control itself to perform one function (forexample, an ON function).

Meanwhile, the hub 31 may determine whether the electronic device 41performs an operation corresponding to a control signal or not, based oninformation which is detected by the attachment device 21 regarding theelectronic device 41. As a result of the determining, when theelectronic device 41 normally operates, the hub 31 may transmitinformation indicating that the operation state of the electronic device41 is normal to the user terminal 11 via the cloud 51.

FIG. 1C is a view showing an operating process of the system 10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1C, the user terminal 11 may determine a user'sbehavior pattern. Next, the user terminal 11 may transmit dataconfigured in the first communication format in relation to one function(for example, an ON function) of a plurality of electronic devices 41,42 (for example, an air conditioner and a digital TV) based on theuser's behavior pattern to the indoor hub 31 via the cloud 51.

For example, in response to the user being determined as going home, theuser terminal 11 may transmit the data of the first communication formatrelated to one function to the indoor hub 31 via the cloud 51, so thatthe electronic device 41 performs the function which has been learnedaccording to the user's behavior of going home.

The hub 31 may acquire data configured in the second communicationformat corresponding to the data configured in the first communicationformat, and transmit the data to the plurality of attachment devices 21,22 attached to the plurality of electronic devices 41, 42.

The attachment devices 21, 22 acquire data configured in the thirdcommunication format corresponding to the data configured in the secondcommunication format, and transmit the data configured in the thirdcommunication format to the electronic devices 41, 42 to which theattachment devices 21, 22 are attached. In response to the dataconfigured in the third communication format, the electronic devices 41,42 may control themselves to control one function (for example, an ONfunction).

As described above, it is possible to control the indoor electronicdevices 41, 42 using the attachment devices 21, 22 in a mannercustomized for the user.

FIG. 1D is a view showing an operating process of the system 10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1D, the user terminal 11 may detect a user input or auser's behavior pattern. Next, a processor 190 of the user terminal 11may control a communication unit 140 of the user terminal 11 to transmitdata configured in the first communication format in relation to onefunction (for example, an ON function) of the electronic device 41 (forexample, an air conditioner) based on the user input or user's behaviorpattern to the indoor hub 31 via the cloud 51.

The hub 31 may acquire data configured in the second communicationformat corresponding to the data configured in the first communicationformat, and transmit the data to the attachment device 21 attached tothe electronic device 41.

In response to the data configured in the second communication formatbeing acquired, the attachment device 21 may determine the operationstate of the electronic device 41. In this case, the determining theoperation state of the electronic device 41 may include determining, bya processor 190 of the attachment device 21, the operation state of theelectronic device 41 using information pre-stored regarding theoperation state of the electronic device 41, prior to acquiring the dataconfigured in the second communication format.

For example, the attachment device 21 may detect an electromagneticfield, a sound, a motion, vibration, etc. from the electronic device 41.The attachment device 21 may determine the operation state of a productusing the detected information.

When the electronic device 41 is performing an operation related to onefunction as a result of the determining, the attachment device 21 maytransmit notification information indicating that one function is beingperformed to the hub 31. In addition, the hub 31 may transmit thereceived notification information to the user terminal 11.

On the other hand, when the electronic device 41 is not performing theoperation related to one function as a result of the determining, theattachment device 21 may acquire data configured in the thirdcommunication format corresponding to the data configured in the secondcommunication format, and transmit the data to the electronic device 41to which the attachment device 21 is attached. Then, the electronicdevice 41 may control itself to perform one function (for example, an onfunction) in response to the data configured in the third communicationformat.

As described above, the operation state of the electronic device 41 maybe identified using the attachment device 21, and malfunction can beprevented.

In addition, there may be an operating process of the system 10according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

For example, when the user terminal 11 provides an if this, then that(IFTTT) mode to automatically execute a specific function according to asituation, the user terminal 11 may control the electronic devices 41-4Nby transmitting control data for controlling the attachment devices21-2N according to the respective operations of the IFTTT.

For example, using the IFTTT mode of the user terminal 11, the user mayset a lamp and a digital TV to be turned on automatically when the userenters user's house, and set an air conditioner and a heating system tobe turned on after a predetermined time. In this state, when the userenters user's house, the user terminal 11 may automatically transmitcontrol data to the attachment devices 21, 22 attached to the lamp andthe digital TV, and, after a predetermined time, transmit control datato the attachment devices 23, 24 attached to the air conditioner and theheating system. Alternatively, when the user enters user's house, theuser terminal 11 may automatically transmit control data to theattachment devices 21, 22 attached to the lamp and the digital TV, and,after a predetermined time, at least one of the attachment devices 21,22 attached to the lamp or the digital TV may transmit control data tothe attachment devices 23, 24 attached to the air conditioner or theheating system. In this case, a process of intimatelytransmitting/receiving control data between the attachment devices maybe performed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a user terminal 11according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, the user terminal may include at least one of animage acquisition unit 110, an image processor 120, a display 130, acommunication unit 140, a storage 150, an audio processor 160, an audiooutputter 170, a sensing unit 180, and a processor 190. Theconfiguration of the user terminal 11 shown in FIG. 3 is merely anexample and thus is not limited to the above-described block diagram.Therefore, some of the elements may be omitted or changed or anotherelement may be added according to the type of the user terminal 11 orthe purpose of the user terminal 11.

The image acquisition unit 110 may acquire image data through varioussources. For example, the image acquisition unit 110 may receivebroadcast data from an external broadcasting station, receive video ondemand (VOD) data from an external server in real time, and receiveimage data from an external device.

In addition, the image acquisition unit 110 may acquire image data byphotographing an external environment. For example, the imageacquisition unit 110 may be implemented by using a camera whichphotographs the external environment of the user terminal 11. In thiscase, the image acquisition unit 110 may include a lens (not shown)through which an image passes, and an image sensor (not shown) to detectthe image passing through the lens. The image sensor (not shown) may beimplemented by using a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or acomplementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. The imagedata acquired through the image acquisition unit 110 may be processed bythe image processor 120.

The image processor 120 is an element for processing the image datareceived from the image acquisition unit 110. The image processor 120may perform various image processing operations such as decoding,scaling, noise filtering, frame rate conversion, resolution conversion,etc. with respect to the image data.

The display 130 may display a video frame which is a result ofprocessing the image data by the image processor 120, or at least one ofvarious screens generated in a graphic processor 193.

The implementing method of the display 130 is not limited. For example,the display 130 may be implemented by using various types of displayssuch as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode(OLED) display, an active-matrix (AM)-OLED, a plasma display panel(PDP), etc.

The display 130 may further include an additional element according toan implementing method thereof. For example, when the display 130employs a liquid crystal method, the display 130 may include an LCDpanel (not shown), a backlight unit (not shown) to provide light to theLCD panel, and a panel driving substrate (not shown) to drive the LCDpanel (not shown). The display 130 may be combined with a touch sensingunit 181 of the sensing unit 180 to be provided as a touch screen.

The display 130 may be connected with at least one of a front area, aside area, and a rear area of the user terminal 11 in the form of abended display. The bended display may be implemented by using aflexible display, or may be implemented by using a normal display whichis not flexible. For example, the bended display may be implemented byinterconnecting a plurality of flat displays.

When the bended display is implemented by using a flexible display, theflexible display may be bended, crooked or rolled without damage througha substrate which is thin and flexible like paper. The flexible displaymay be manufactured using a generally used glass substrate or a plasticsubstrate. When the plastic substrate is used, a low-temperaturemanufacturing process rather than an existing manufacturing process maybe used in forming the flexible display in order to prevent damage tothe substrate. In addition, the flexible display may be flexible enoughto be folded and unfolded by replacing the glass substrate enclosingliquid crystals in the LCD, OLED display, AM-OLED, PDP, etc. with aplastic film The flexible display is thin and light, is resistant to ashock, and can be bended or crooked and manufactured in various forms.

The communication unit 140 is an element for communicating with variouskinds of external devices according to various kinds of communicationmethods. The communication unit 140 may include at least one of a Wi-Fichip 141, a BT chip 142, a wireless communication chip 143, a near fieldcommunication (NFC) chip 144. The processor 190 may communicate withvarious external devices using the communication unit 140.

In particular, the Wi-Fi chip 141 and the BT chip 142 may communicate inthe Wi-Fi method and the BT method, respectively. When the Wi-Fi chip141 or the BT chip 142 is used, a variety of connectivity informationsuch as service set identifier (SSID) and a session key may betransmitted and received first, and communication is established usingthe connectivity information, and then a variety of information may betransmitted and received. The wireless communication chip 143 refers toa chip which performs communication according to various communicationstandards such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers(IEEE), Zigbee, 3G, 3G partnership project (3GPP), long term evolution(LTE), etc. The NFC chip 144 refers to a chip which operates in the NFCmethod using a band of 13.56 MHz from among various radio frequency ID(RF-ID) frequency bands such as 135 kHz, 13.56 MHz, 433 MHz, 860-960MHz, 2.45 GHz, etc.

The storage 150 may store various programs and data used for theoperations of the user terminal 11. The storage 150 may be implementedby using a non-volatile memory, a volatile memory, a flash memory, ahard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The storage 150may be accessed by the processor 190 and controlled by the processor 190to read out/record/correct/delete/update data. The term “storage” in thepresent disclosure may include the storage 150, a read only memory (ROM)in the processor 190, a random access memory (RAM) (not shown), or amemory card (not shown) mounted in the user terminal 11 (for example, amicro secure digital (SD) card or a memory stick). Specifically, thestorage 150 may store programs and data for configuring various screensto be displayed on a display area.

Hereinafter, a structure of software stored in the user terminal 11 willbe explained with reference to FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a structure of software which is stored in auser terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, the storage 150 may store software including anoperating system (OS) 210, a kernel 220, middleware 230, an application240, etc.

The OS 210 performs a function of controlling and managing the overalloperations of hardware. That is, the OS 210 is a layer which isresponsible for basic functions such as hardware management, a memory,security, etc.

The kernel 220 serves as a passage for transmitting various signalsincluding a touch signal, etc., which are detected by the sensing unit180, to the middleware 230.

The middleware 230 includes various software modules for controlling theoperation of the user terminal 11. Referring to FIG. 4, the middleware230 includes an X11 module 230-1, an APP manager 230-2, a connectivitymanager 230-3, a security module 230-4, a system manager 230-5, amultimedia framework 230-6, a main UI framework 230-7, a window manager230-8, and a sub UI framework 230-9.

The X11 module 230-1 is a module which receives various event signalsfrom a variety of hardware provided in the user terminal 11. The eventrecited herein may be set variously like an event in which a usergesture is detected, an event in which a system alarm occurs, an eventin which a specific program is executed or finished, etc.

The APP manager 230-2 is a module which manages the execution states ofvarious applications 240 installed in the storage 150. In response to anapplication execution event being detected from the X11 module 230-1,the APP manager 230-2 may call an application corresponding to the eventand execute the application.

The connectivity manager 230-3 is a module for supporting wire orwireless network connection. The connectivity manager 230-3 may includevarious specific modules such as a DNET module, a universal plug andplay (UPnP) module, etc.

The security module 230-4 is a module for supporting certification ofhardware, permission, secure storage, etc.

The system manager 230-5 monitors the states of the respective elementsin the user terminal 11, and provides the result of the monitoring tothe other modules. For example, when battery power is low, an erroroccurs, or communication is disconnected, the system manager 230-5 mayprovide the result of the monitoring to the main UI framework 230-7 andthe sub UI framework 230-9, and may output a notification message or anotification sound.

The multimedia framework 230-6 is a module for reproducing multimediacontents which are stored in the user terminal 11 or provided from anexternal source. The multimedia framework 230-6 may include a playermodule, a camcorder module, a sound processing module, etc. Accordingly,the multimedia framework 230-6 may reproduce various multimedia contentsto generate and reproduce a screen and a sound.

The main UI framework 230-7 is a module for providing various Uls to bedisplayed on a main area of the display 130, and the sub UI framework230-9 is a module for providing various Uls to be displayed on a subarea. The main UI framework 230-7 and the sub UI framework 230-9 mayinclude an image compositor module for configuring various UI elements,a coordinate compositor module for calculating coordinates at which anUI element is displayed, a rendering module for rendering the configuredUI element at the calculated coordinates, and a two-dimensional(2D)/three-dimensional (3D) UI toolkit for providing a tool forconfiguring a UI in the form of 2D or 3D.

The window manager 230-8 may detect a touch event using a user's body ora pen or other input events. In response to such an event beingdetected, the window manager 230-8 may transmit an event signal to themain UI framework 230-7 or the sub UI framework 230-9, so that anoperation corresponding to the event is performed.

In addition, various program modules, for example, a hand-writing modulefor drawing a line by tracing a dragging operation when the user touchesand drags on the screen, or an angle calculation module for calculatinga pitch angle, a roll angle, and a yaw angle based on a sensor valuedetected by a motion sensing unit 182, may be stored.

The application module 240 includes applications 240-1 to 240-n tosupport various functions. For example, the application module 240 mayinclude a program module for providing various services, such as anavigation program module, a game module, an electronic book module, acalendar module, a notification management module, etc. The applicationsmay be installed as default or may be arbitrarily installed by the userduring use and used. In response to a UI element being selected, a maincentral processing unit (CPU) 194 may execute an applicationcorresponding to the selected UI element using the application module240.

The software structure shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example and thesoftware is not limited to this structure. Therefore, some of thesoftware elements may be omitted or changed or another element may beadded according to the type of the user terminal 11 or the purpose ofthe user terminal 11.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the audio processor 160 is an element whichprocesses audio data of an image content. The audio processor 160 mayperform various processing operations such as decoding, amplification,noise filtering, etc. with respect to the audio data. The audio dataprocessed by the audio processor 160 may be outputted to the audiooutputter 170.

The audio outputter 170 is configured to output various notificationsounds or voice messages as well as audio data which have been processedby the audio processor 160 in various ways, such as decoding,amplification, noise filtering, etc. In particular, the audio outputter170 may be implemented by using a speaker. However, this is merely anexample and the audio outputter 170 may be implemented by using anoutput terminal which outputs audio data.

The sensing unit 180 detects various user interactions. The sensing unit180 may include various sensors, and may be configured by including atleast one device from among all types of sensing devices which candetect a change in the state of the user terminal 11. For example, thesensing unit 180 may be configured by including at least one of varioussensing devices, such as a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyrosensor, an illuminance sensor, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, anoise sensor (for example, a microphone), a video sensor (for example, acamera module), and a timer.

The sensing unit 180 may be divided into the touch sensing unit 181 andthe motion sensing unit 182 according to a sensing purpose as shown inFIG. 2. However, this should not be considered as limiting. The sensingunit 180 may be divided according to other purposes. This does not meanphysical division and at least one sensor may be combined to perform thefunctions of the sensing units 181, 182. In addition, some of theelements or functions of the sensing unit 180 may be included in theprocessor 190 according to an implementing method.

For example, the touch sensing unit 181 may detect a user's touch inputusing a touch sensor attached to the rear surface of the display panel.The processor 190 may acquire information on touch coordinates, touchingtime, etc. from the touch sensing unit 181, and determine the type oftouch input (for example, a tap gesture, a double tap gesture, a panninggesture, a flick gesture, a touch and drag gesture, etc.) In addition,the processor 190 may directly determine the type of touch input usingthe touch coordinates, the touching time, etc. acquired by the touchsensing unit 181.

The motion sensing unit 182 may detect the motion of the user terminal11 (for example, a rotating motion, a tilting motion, etc.) using atleast one of an acceleration sensor, a tilt sensor, a gyro sensor, a3-axis magnetic sensor, etc. In addition, the motion sensing unit 182may transmit a generated electric signal to the processor 190. Forexample, the motion sensing unit 182 may measure acceleration of theuser terminal 11 added with acceleration of gravity, or may measure onlythe acceleration of gravity when there is no motion in the user terminal11.

The processor 190 may control the overall operations of the userterminal 11 using various programs stored in the storage 150.

The processor 190 may include a RAM 191, a ROM 192, a graphic processor193, a main CPU 194, first to n-th interfaces 195-1 to 195-n, and a bus196. The RAM 191, the ROM 192, the graphic processor 193, the main CPU194, and the first to n-th interfaces 195-1 to 195-n may be connectedwith one another via the bus 196.

The RAM 191 stores an OS and an application program. Specifically, theRAM 191 may store the OS when the user terminal 11 is booted, and maystore various application data selected by the user.

The ROM 192 may store a set of instructions for booting a system. Inresponse to a turn on command being inputted and power being supplied,the main CPU 194 may copy the OS stored in the storage 150 into the RAM191 according to a command stored in the ROM 192, and boot the system byexecuting the OS. In response to the booting being completed, the mainCPU 194 may copy various application programs stored in the storage 150into the RAM 191, and perform various operations by executing theapplication programs copied into the RAM 191.

The graphic processor 193 may generate a screen including variousobjects such as an icon, an image, a text, etc., using a calculator (notshown) and a renderer (not shown). The calculator (not shown) maycalculate attribute values of objects to be displayed according to alayout of the screen, such as a coordinate value, a shape, a size, acolor, etc., based on a control command received from the sensing unit180. The renderer (not shown) may generate the screen of various layoutsincluding objects based on the attribute values calculated by thecalculator (not shown). The screen generated by the renderer (not shown)may be displayed in the display area of the display 130.

The main CPU 194 may access the storage 150 and perform booting usingthe OS stored in the storage 150. In addition, the main CPU 194 mayperform various operations using various programs, content, data, etc.which are stored in the storage 150.

The first to n-th interfaces 195-1 to 195-n may be connected with theabove-described various elements. One of the first to n-th interfaces195-1 to 195-n may be a network interface which is connected with anexternal device via a network.

In particular, the processor 190 may control the display 130 to displaya list of a plurality of attachment devices. In response to a user inputto select an attachment device to control an electronic device from thelist of the attachment devices 21-2N being detected by the sensing unit180, the processor 190 may control the communication unit 140 totransmit, to the selected attachment device 21, mapping information inwhich data configured in a first communication format and dataconfigured in a second communication format in relation to one functionof the electronic device are mapped.

For example, the processor 190 may transmit the mapping information tothe attachment device 21 via the communication unit 140.

In addition, the processor 190 may control the communication unit 140 totransmit, to the hub 31, request information for requesting the hub 31to transmit the mapping information to the attachment device 21. In thiscase, the hub 31 which has received the request information may transmitthe mapping information to the attachment device 21.

In addition, the processor 190 may control the communication unit 140 totransmit, to the cloud 51, requesting information for requesting thecloud 51 to transmit the mapping information to the attachment device21. In addition, the processor 190 may control the communication unit140 to transmit, to the cloud 51, request information for requesting thecloud 51 to transmit the mapping information to the hub 31. In thiscase, the hub 31 which has received the request information may transmitthe received mapping information to the attachment device 21.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an attachmentdevice 21 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5, the attachment device 21 may include at least oneof a sensing unit 580, a storage 550, a communication unit 540, and anattachment part 595. The configuration of the attachment device 21 shownin FIG. 5 is merely an example and is not limited to the above-describedblock diagram. Therefore, some of the elements of the attachment device21 may be omitted or changed or another element may be added accordingto the type of the attachment device 21 or the purpose of the attachmentdevice 21.

The storage 550 of the attachment device 21 may store various programsand data necessary for the operation of the attachment device 21. Thestorage 550 may be implemented by using a non-volatile memory, avolatile memory, a flash memory, etc., and the storage 550 may storemapping information in which data configured in a first communicationformat and data configured in a second communication format are mapped.

In addition, the attachment device 21 may include the sensing unit 580to detect the operation state of the electronic device 41. The sensingunit 580 of the attachment device 21 may include at least one of anacceleration sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a sound sensor, a motionsensor, a gyro sensor, a pressure sensor, an illuminance sensor, aproximity sensor, a touch sensor, a temperature sensor, a bio sensor, avibration sensor, etc. In addition, the sensing unit 580 of theattachment device 21 may further include an image acquisition unit (forexample, a camera) for acquiring surrounding images of the attachmentdevice.

In addition, the communication unit 540 of the attachment device 21 maycommunicate with an external device according to various kinds ofcommunication methods. The communication unit 540 may communicate withexternal devices in various communication methods such as an IR method,a BT method, a Wi-Fi method, an RFID method, an NFC method, a ZigBeemethod, a BLE method, etc.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, thecommunication unit 540 of the attachment device 21 may include areception module (not shown) and a transmission module (not shown). Thereception module may receive data from an external device (for example,the hub 31, the user terminal 11, the electronic device 41, or the cloud51), and the transmission module may transmit data to an external device(for example, the hub 31, the user terminal 11, the electronic device41, or the cloud 51).

When the attachment device 21 is formed of a plurality of layers, thereception module and the transmission module may be included in a singlelayer or may be included in different layers. When the reception moduleand the transmission module are included in the different modules, thereception module may be included in an external layer to easilycommunicate with the outside of the attachment device 21, and thetransmission module may be included in an internal layer to easilycontrol the electronic device 41 attached to the attachment device 21.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, thecommunication unit 540 of the attachment device 21 may include aplurality of modules according to a communication method. For example,the communication unit 540 may include a first communication module toreceive or transmit data from or to an external device (for example, thehub 31, the user terminal 11, the electronic device 41, or the cloud 51)in a first communication format, and a second communication module toreceive or transmit data from or to an external device (for example, thehub 31, the user terminal 11, the electronic device 41, or the cloud 51)in a second communication format. For example, the first communicationmodule may be a module which communicates with an external device in aBT communication format in the communication unit 540 (or a BTcommunication module), and the second communication module may be amodule which communicates with an external device in an IR communicationformat (or an IR communication module).

In addition, the communication unit 540 of the attachment device 21 maybe divided into a logical module or a physical module according variousfunctions, purposes, or arrangement patterns. However, in the presentdisclosure, the communication unit 540 will be explained withoutdistinguishing between modules for the sake of easy explanation, and,when it is meaningful that the modules are distinguished, thecommunication unit 540 will be explained by distinguishing between themodules.

The processor 590 of the attachment device 21 may control the overalloperation of the attachment device 21 using various programs stored inthe storage 550.

For example, in response to the data configured in the firstcommunication format being received from the hub 31, the processor 590of the attachment device 21 may change the data to data configured inthe second communication format using the mapping information. In thiscase, the changing the data configured in the first communication formatto the data configured in the second communication format may includeacquiring the data configured in the second communication formatcorresponding to the data configured in the first communication formatwith reference to the mapping information.

When the attachment device 21 is formed of a plurality of layers, theprocessor 590 of the attachment device 21 may be included in one of theplurality of layers. In addition, the processor 590 of the attachmentdevice 21 may be included in the external cloud 51 or the user terminal11 to perform a specific service or function using the informationdetected in the attachment device 21.

In addition, the attachment device 21 may further include a battery. Thebattery of the attachment device 21 may supply power to the attachmentdevice 21. When the attachment device is formed of the plurality oflayers, one of the plurality of layers may include the battery. In thiscase, the battery may be replaced by replacing the layer. When thebattery is of a charging type, the battery may be charged in a wirelesscharging method, etc.

The attachment device 21 refers to a device which can be attached to athing or a person, and may include or may not include the attachmentpart 595. In addition, the attachment part 595 may be sold as anintegrated part of the attachment device 21 or may be sold separatelyfrom the attachment device 21. The attachment part 595 may be formed of,but not limited to, an adhesive, a magnet, Velcro®, etc. The attachmentpart 595 is configured to be securely attached to a thing or a person ormay be formed of material which can be easily attached or detachedaccording to a purpose.

When the adhesion of the attachment part 595 is strong, the attachmentdevice 21 may be used to continue detecting the state of a person or athing On the other hand, when the adhesion of the attachment part 595 isweak, the attachment device 21 may be used to give temporaryidentification information to an object to be attached, or may be usedto provide a visual effect considering a fashion.

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of an attachment device 21 accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6, the attachment device 21 may be formed of aplurality of layers 601-606.

The order of stacking the plurality of layers 601-606 may be definedaccording to a purpose or function.

In addition, some of the plurality of layers 601-606 may be provided ina horizontal structure. For example, one layer may be stacked on aplurality of layers arranged horizontally, and a plurality of layersarranged horizontally may be stacked on one layer. In addition, aplurality of layers arranged horizontally may be stacked on a pluralityof layers arranged horizontally. That is, the plurality of layers601-606 may be arranged in the following structures: an 1:1:1 structurein which the layers are stacked one on another; an 1:2:1 structure inwhich two layers are arranged on one layer horizontally and one layer isstacked on the two layers; and an 2:2:2 structure in which two layersare arranged horizontally, two layers are arranged on those two layershorizontally, and two layers are arranged on those two layershorizontally.

One of the plurality of layers 601-606 may be attachable, flexible, orstretchable. In particular, to make the attachment device 21 attachable,flexible, or stretchable, the plurality of layers 601-606 each may havea different modulus of elasticity. In addition, the plurality of layers601-606 may be attachable to one another and may be configured in acustomized type so that the layers can be added or removed.

The plurality of layers 601-606 may transmit/receive data or transmitpower therebetween using a wire/wireless communication method. Thewire/wireless communication method may include a short-distance wirelesscommunication method such as such as RFID, NFC, ZigBee, BLE, Wi-Fi,etc., a wire communication method such as a bus, plugging, etc., andother communication methods such as a human body communication method.

In this case, one of the plurality of layers 601-606 may serve as a hubfor managing transmitted/received data, and information detected by eachof the plurality of layers 601-606 may be transmitted to the layerserving as the hub.

For example, one layer may transmit data to the other layers 601-606 ina broadcasting communication method. In another example, when one of theplurality of layers 601-606 receives data, the data may be transmittedto another layer located on or under one layer in sequence. For example,data may be transmitted from one layer to another layer using a contactterminal between the plurality of layers 601-606. When the modulesincluded in the attachment device 21 are managed in the unit of aservice or a function, and the service or the function is performed, thelayers including corresponding modules may communicate with one another.

Power may be selectively supplied to the plurality of layers. Forexample, when only the function of one layer from among the plurality oflayers is required, power is supplied to one layer and is blocked forthe other layers. Accordingly, the power efficiency of the plurality oflayers can be enhanced.

In FIG. 6, the attachment device 21 may include an external layer 601, abattery layer 602, a control layer 603, a communication layer 604, ahaptic layer 605, an internal layer 606, and an attachment part 595. Theconfiguration of the attachment device 21 shown in FIG. 5 is merely anexample and is not limited to the above-described block diagram.Therefore, some of the above-described elements may be omitted orchanged or another element may be added according to the type of theattachment device 21 or the purpose of the attachment device 21.

The external layer 601 is a layer which is exposed to the outside, andmay include at least one of the sensing unit 580, a display, and a lightemitter. The sensing unit 580 of the external layer 601 may detect anexternal environment.

The control layer 603 may include the processor 590 and the storage 550.

The communication layer 604 may include the communication unit 540 tocommunicate with an external device of the attachment device 21 invarious kinds of communication methods. For example, the communicationlayer 604 may communicate with external devices in various communicationmethods, such as an IR method, a BT method, a Wi-Fi method, an RFIDmethod, an NFC method, a ZigBee method, a BLE method, etc.

The haptic layer 605 may include a haptic unit (not shown) and serve asa module for transmitting an electric or physical signal, typically,vibration, to a thing or a person. In this case, the intensity orpattern of the vibration generated by the haptic unit may be controlled.For example, different vibrations may be combined and outputted, or maybe outputted in sequence.

The internal layer 606 is a layer which is attached to a thing or aperson including the electronic device 41, and may include at least oneof the sensing unit 580 and the haptic unit (not shown). In this case,the haptic unit may generate various effects, such as an effect causedby a pin array which vertically moves with respect to a contact skinsurface, a jet force or a suction force of air through a spray hole or asuction inlet, touch on a skin surface, contact with an electrode, and astimulus of electrostatic force, and an effect caused by reproduction ofcold and warmth using a heat absorbing or heating element.

In addition, the internal layer 606 may include a dose adjustment deviceto administer medicine to a person.

The attachment part 595 is an element which includes an attachmentcomponent to be attached to a thing or a person, and for example, mayinclude an adhesive or a magnetic component.

FIG. 7 is a view showing various attachment shapes of an attachmentdevice 21 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a view as viewed from the attachment part 595 in the directionof an internal layer 701 when the internal layer 701 is verticallyattached to the attachment part 595.

Referring to view 710 of FIG. 7, the area of the attachment part 595 maybe larger than or equal to the area of the internal layer 701.

As shown in view 720 of FIG. 7, the attachment part 595 may have atleast one hole. In this case, the internal layer 701 is in contact witha thing or a person through the hole, such that the internal layer 701detects the state of the thing or the person or transmits an electric orphysical signal to the person or the thing.

In addition, in view 730 of FIG. 7, the area of the attachment part 595may be smaller than the area of the internal layer 701. In this case,the internal layer 701 coming out of the attachment part 595 is incontact with the thing or person such that the internal layer 701detects the state of the thing or the person or transmits an electric orphysical signal to the person or the thing.

View 740 of FIG. 7 shows the attachment part 595 and the internal layer701 which have a circular shape. In addition, view 750 of FIG. 7 showsthe attachment part 595 and the internal layer 701 which have adifferent shape.

As described above, the attachment part 595 and the internal layer 701may have various shapes so that they are easy to attach to a person or athing, and are not limited to the above-described examples.

FIG. 8 is a view showing another example of the attachment device 21according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to view 810 of FIG. 8, the attachment device 21 may be formedof a plurality of layers 801, 802, 803. The attachment device 21 may beattached in the proximity of a receiver of the electronic device 41. Inthis case, when the attachment device 21 transmits control data forcontrolling the electronic device 41, the electronic device 41 mayreceive the control data.

For example, referring to view 820 of FIG. 8, the first layer 801 of theattachment device 21 may receive control data which is configured in afirst communication format. For example, the attachment device 21 mayreceive the control data which is formed in the first communicationformat from the hub 31 or the user terminal 11. In addition, the secondlayer 802 of the attachment device 21 may convert the control dataconfigured in the first communication format into control dataconfigured in a second communication format. Next, the third layer 803of the attachment device 21 may transmit the control data configured inthe second communication format to the receiver of the electronic device41.

FIG. 9 is a view showing another example of the attachment device 21according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9, the attachment device 21 may be formed a pluralityof layers 911, 912, 913 which are stacked vertically.

For example, in view 910 of FIG. 9, the first layer 911 may include acommunication unit 540 and a common unit 950 to receive a control datasignal. The common unit 950 may serve to transmit/receive data ortransmit power between the layers.

In addition, the second layer 912 may include a processor 590, a storage550, a battery, and a common unit 950 to change the communication formatof the control data. In addition, the third layer 913 may include acommunication unit 540 and a common unit 950 to transmit the controldata the communication format of which is changed.

In another example, as shown in view 920 of FIG. 9, a first layer 921may include a communication unit 540 and a common unit 950 to receive acontrol data signal. In addition, a second layer 922 may include aprocessor 590 and a common unit 950 to change the communication formatof the control data. In addition, a third layer 923 may include astorage 550 and a common unit 950 to store mapping information betweendata of different communication formats. In addition, a fourth layer 924may include a battery and a common unit 950. In addition, a fifth layer925 may include a communication unit 540 and a common unit 950 totransmit the control data the communication format of which is changed.

FIG. 10 is a view showing another example of the attachment device 21according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to view 1010 of FIG. 10, the attachment device 21 may beformed of a plurality of layers 1011-1016 which are stacked. In thiscase, the plurality of layers 1011-1016 may be connected with oneanother via contact terminals 1011-1 to 1015-1. That is, data may betransmitted/received between the layers via the contact terminals 1011-1to 1015-1. The locations of the contact terminals 1011-1 to 1015-1 maybe standardized and may be implemented at predetermined locations of therespective layers.

In another example, as shown in view 1020 of FIG. 10, the attachmentdevice 21 may be formed of a plurality of layers 1021-1026, and theplurality of layers 1021-1026 may be connected with common units1027-1032 via contact terminals 1021-1 to 1026-1. In addition, theplurality of layers 1021-1026 and the common unit 1027-1032 may beconnected with each other via contact terminals 1027-1 to 1031-1. Inthis case, one of the plurality of layers 1021-1026 may transmit data tothe common unit connected therewith, and the common unit which hasreceived the data may transmit the data to another common unit connectedwith another layer. The common unit which has received the data maytransmit the data to another layer connected therewith.

In another example, as shown in view 1030 of FIG. 10, the attachmentdevice 21 may be formed of a plurality of layers 1041-1046 which arestacked, and includes a single common unit 1047 to connect all of theplurality of layers 1041-1046. In this case, the plurality of layers1041-1046 and the common unit 1047 may be connected with each other viacontact terminals 1041-1 to 1046-1.

The common unit may include modules which have little to do with thelocations or order of the layers and does not need to be customized. Forexample, the common unit may include a processor, a storage, a bus, etc.which have little to do with the locations or order. The common unit maymainly serve to transmit/receive data and transmit power.

FIG. 11 is a view showing an overall process according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, the user may open a package and acquire apurchased attachment device 21 at operation 1110.

Next, the user may connect the user terminal 11 and the attachmentdevice 21 at operation 1120. For example, the user terminal 11 and theattachment device 21 may be connected with each other using ashort-distance communication method (for example, a BLE communicationmethod).

Next, the user may attach the attachment device 21 connected with theuser terminal 11 to a thing at operation 1130. The thing may be theelectronic device 41, furniture in a house, etc. The attachment device21 has an attachment part such as an adhesive, a magnet, Velcro®, andthus the user may attach the attachment device 21 to a desired placeregardless of attachment location.

Next, communication is performed between the user terminal 11 and theattachment device 21 attached to the thing at operation 1140. In thiscase, communication may be performed when necessary so that powerconsumption of the attachment device 21 can be minimized. For example,communication may be performed when the attachment device 21 isinitially attached or when the user terminal 11 requests communication,or at regular intervals.

Next, the attachment device 21 may be controlled at operation 1150. Forexample, the attachment device 21 may be controlled in response tocontrol data received from the user terminal 11, the hub 31, or thecloud 51. In addition, the attachment device 21 may be controlledaccording to the operation state of the thing to which the attachmentdevice 21 is attached. In addition, the attachment device 21 may becontrolled in response to control data which is sent by anotherattachment device 22. In addition, the attachment device 21 may becontrolled considering a surrounding situation. The attachment device 21may be controlled to transmit the control data to the thing In addition,the attachment device 21 may transmit the result of the controlling tothe user terminal 11, the hub 31, or the cloud 51.

Next, the attachment device 21 may determine whether an error occurs ornot by detecting the operation state of the thing at operation 1160. Forexample, the processor 590 of the attachment device 21 may determine theoperation state of the thing based on information detected fromelectromagnetism, a sound, etc. generated in the thing, and may transmitadditional control data according to the result of the determining tothe object. In addition, the attachment device 21 may transmit feedbackdata according to the result of the determining to the user terminal 11,the hub 31, or the cloud 51.

In addition, the attachment device 21 may determine whether an erroroccurs or not by detecting its own operation state at operation 1160.For example, when the battery of the attachment device 21 is lower thanor equal to a predetermined threshold value, the attachment device 21may transmit the result of determining its own operation state to theuser terminal 11, the hub 31, or the cloud 51.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an overall process according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12, the user may open a package and acquire apurchased attachment device 21 at process 1210.

Next, the user may attach the attachment device 21 to an electronicdevice at process 1220.

Next, the electronic device 41 and the attachment device 21 to beconnected may be searched and a matching process therebetween may beperformed at process 1230. Process 1230 in FIG. 12 will be explained indetail below with reference to FIGS. 13 to 18.

Next, a process of controlling to execute one function of the electronicdevice 41 using the attachment device 21 may be performed at process1240. Process 1240 in FIG. 12 will be explained in detail below withreference to FIGS. 19 and 20.

The electronic device 41 may malfunction when the electronic device 41is controlled using the attachment device 21 at processes 1250 and 1260.In this case, a process of preventing malfunction of the electronicdevice 41 may be performed. Processes 1250 and 1260 in FIG. 12 will beexplained in detail below with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22.

FIGS. 13 to 18 are views showing a process of searching and matching theelectronic device 41 and the attachment device 21 according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to view 1310 of FIG. 13, when the user points toward the hub31 and presses an on button on a remote controller 61, the remotecontroller 61 may transmit IR code data to the hub 31.

Next, in view 1320 of FIG. 13, the hub 31 which has received the IR codedata may search the IR code data and identification information of theelectronic device 41 from the cloud 51. In addition, the hub 31 maytransmit the identification information of the electronic device 41 tothe user terminal 11.

Next, in view 1330 of FIG. 13, in response to the identificationinformation of the electronic device 41 being received, the processor190 of the user terminal 11 may control the display 130 to display theidentification information.

Next, in view 1340 of FIG. 13, the processor 190 of the user terminal 11may control the display 130 to display a list of attachment devices21-2N. The list of the attachment devices 21-2N may includeidentification information of the attachment device 21 which is receivedfrom at least one attachment device 21 located in the proximity of theuser terminal 11.

In addition, the sensing unit 180 of the user terminal 11 may detect auser input to select the attachment device 21 to control the electronicdevice 41 from the list of the attachment devices 21-2N. In response tothe user input to select the attachment device 21, the processor 190 ofthe user terminal 11 may map the identification information of theattachment device 21 and the identification information of theelectronic device 41, and store mapping information.

Referring to view 1410 of FIG. 14, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the user terminal 11 may display an attachmentdevice setting screen. In view 1410 of FIG. 14, the attachment devicesetting screen may provide guide information 1411 for guiding the userto search the hub.

In this state, in response to the user pointing toward the hub 31 andpressing the on button of the remote controller 61 as shown in view 1420of FIG. 14, the remote controller 61 may transmit IR code data to thehub 31.

Next, the hub 31 may recognize the electronic device 41 controlled bythe remote controller 61 using the received IR code data. For example,the hub 31 may acquire the identification information of the electronicdevice 41 corresponding to the IR code data from the storage of the hub31 or the cloud 51. In addition, the hub 31 may transmit theidentification information of the electronic device to the user terminal11. The processor 190 of the user terminal 11 may receive theidentification information of the electronic device 41 through thecommunication unit 140, and may control the display 130 to display theidentification information of the electronic device 41 as shown in view1430 of FIG. 14. For example, the processor 190 of the user terminal 11may control the display 130 to display an image, unique ID (for example,a media access control (MAC) address), a product name, a model name,etc. of the searched electronic device 41.

In this case, the attachment device 21 attached to the electronic device41 may make a predetermined color light (for example, a red light)flicker through a light emitting unit of the attachment device 21 toindicate that the electronic device 41 is being recognized, as shown inview 1440 of FIG. 14.

Next, as shown in view 1450 of FIG. 14, the processor 190 of the userterminal 11 may control the display 130 to display the list of theattachment devices. In addition, the sensing unit 180 of the userterminal 11 may detect a user input to select the attachment device 21to control the electronic device 41 from the list of the attachmentdevices 21-2N. In response to the user input, the communication unit 140of the user terminal 11 may transmit the identification information ofthe selected attachment device 21 to the hub 31. The hub 31 which hasreceived the identification information of the attachment device 21 maytransmit notification information for requesting confirmation to theselected attachment device 21. In response to the notificationinformation being received, the attachment device 21 may make apredetermined color light (for example, a green light) flicker throughthe light emitting unit of the attachment device 21 as shown in view1460 of FIG. 14.

In response to the user input to select the attachment device 21, theprocessor 190 of the user terminal 11 may control the display 130 todisplay at least one function for controlling the electronic device 41using the attachment device 21 as shown in view 1470 of FIG. 14. Forexample, the function for controlling the electronic device 41 may be afunction of turning on or off the electronic device 41 outside user'shouse, a function of turning on or off the electronic device 41 at apre-set time, a function of turning on or off the electronic device 41automatically by detecting whether the user enters or leaves user'shouse.

The user may set details with reference to the displayed at least onefunction. In this case, the user may separately list only frequentlyused functions. Next, the sensing unit 180 of the user terminal 11 maydetect a user input to select a setting finish button. In response tothe user input, the communication unit 140 of the user terminal 11 maytransmit notification information indicating that the setting of theattachment device 21 is finished to the hub 31. The hub 31 which hasreceived the notification information may transmit the notificationinformation indicating that the setting is finished to the attachmentdevice 21. In response to the notification information being received,the attachment device 21 may finish making the predetermined light (forexample, the green light) flicker through the light emitting unit of theattachment device 21, and enter a use standby state as shown in view1480 of FIG. 14.

In response to the setting of the attachment device 21 being finished,the processor 190 of the user terminal 11 may control the display 130 todisplay an attachment device utilization screen as shown in view 1490 ofFIG. 14. The attachment device utilization screen may display a list ofthe electronic devices 41-4N or things to which the attachment devices21-2N are attached. In this case, a visual effect (for example,highlighting, marking, etc.) may be applied to the electronic device 41or thing to which the attachment device 21 is attached most recently,and displayed to distinguish the electronic device 41.

Next, in response to the user selecting one electronic device or thingfrom the list, the processor 190 of the user terminal 11 may control thedisplay 130 to display a function for controlling the selectedelectronic device or thing.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG.15, the electronic device 41 is searched based on the IR code dataprovided from the remote controller 61, and the identificationinformation of the searched electronic device 41 and the identificationinformation of the attachment device 21 are matched and stored.

Referring to FIG. 15, in response to the user pointing toward the hub 31and pressing the on button of the remote controller 61, the remotecontroller 61 may transmit the IR code data to the hub 31 at operation1501. The hub 31 which has received the IR code signal may extract apattern of the IR code data from the IR code data at operation 1503.Next, the hub 31 may search the identification information of theelectronic device 41 related to the pattern of the IR code dataextracted from the storage of the hub 31 or the cloud 51 at operation1505. The identification information of the electronic device 41 may bean image, unique ID (for example, a MAC address), a product name, amodel name, etc. of the electronic device 41.

In response to the identification information of the electronic device41 corresponding to the IR code pattern being searched at operation1505-Y, the hub 31 may transmit the identification information of theelectronic device 41 to the user terminal 11 at operation 1507. On theother hand, in response to the identification information of theelectronic device 41 not being searched at operation 1505-N, the hub 31may request the identification information of the electronic device 41from the user terminal at operation 1509.

Next, the user terminal 11 determines whether the identificationinformation of the electronic device 41 is received or not at operation1511. In response to the identification information of the electronicdevice 41 being received at operation 1511-Y, the processor 190 of theuser terminal 11 may control the display 130 to display theidentification information at operation 1513. On the other hand, inresponse to the request for the identification information of theelectronic device 41 being received at operation 1511-N, the processor190 of the user terminal 11 may control the display 130 to display ascreen for requesting the user to input the identification informationof the electronic device 41 at operation 1515.

Next, the processor 190 of the user terminal 11 may control the display130 to display the list of the attachment devices at operation 1517. Thesensing unit 180 of the user terminal 11 may detect a user input toselect the attachment device 21 to control the electronic device 41 fromthe list of the attachment devices 21-2N at operation 1519.

Next, the communication unit 140 of the user terminal 11 may transmitthe identification information of the selected attachment device 21 tothe hub 31 at operation 1521. In addition, in response to theidentification information of the electronic device 41 being inputted bythe user, the communication unit 140 of the user terminal 11 maytransmit the identification information of the electronic device 41 tothe hub 31 at operation 1521.

The hub 31 which has received the identification information of theattachment device 21 or the identification information of the electronicdevice 41 may map the identification information of the attachmentdevice 21 and the identification information of the electronic device 41and store the mapping information at operation 1523. In addition, thehub 31 may acquire mapping information in which data configured in afirst communication format and data configured in a second communicationformat in relation to one function of the electronic device are mapped,and store the mapping information at operation 1525. In this case, themapping information may be pre-stored in the storage of the hub 31 ormay be acquired by the hub 31 from the external cloud 51 or the userterminal 11. Next, the hub 31 may transmit the mapping information tothe attachment device 21 at operation 1527.

The attachment device 21 which has received the mapping information maystore the mapping information at operation 1529.

Referring to view 1610 of FIG. 16, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the user may manipulate the user terminal 11 todisplay the attachment device utilization screen. As shown in view 1610of FIG. 16, the list of the things to which the attachment devices areattached (for example, a medicine container, a pot, a digital TV, etc.)may be displayed on the attachment device utilization screen. In thiscase, the list may be displayed with state information on the thingswhich is based on sensing information received by the attachment devices21-2N. In this state, the sensing unit 180 of the user terminal 11 maydetect a user input to select an UI element 1601 to set a new attachmentdevice.

To set the new attachment device, the user may open a package andacquire new attachment devices 21-27 as shown in view 1620 of FIG. 16.

In response to the user input, the processor 190 of the user terminal 11may control the display 130 to display the attachment device settingscreen as shown in view 1630 of FIG. 16. The attachment device settingscreen may provide guide information 1631 for guiding the user to turnon the power of the attachment device 21.

The user may detach the attachment device 21 from an attachment objectwith reference to the guide information 1631 as shown in view 1640 ofFIG. 16. As a result of the detaching, the attachment device 21 may beturned on. In addition, the light emitting unit of the attachment device21 may flicker in predetermined color (for example, blue). In anotherexample, when the attachment device 21 is detached from the attachmentobject and then is attached to a thing, the attachment device 21 may beturned on.

Next, the sensing unit 180 of the user terminal 11 may detect a userinput to select the next button. In response to the user input, thecommunication unit 140 of the user terminal 11 may request the hub 31 tosearch the attachment device 21. The hub 31 may search the neighboringattachment device 21. In addition, in response to identificationinformation being received from the attachment device 21 as a result ofthe searching, the hub 31 may transmit the identification information ofthe attachment device 21 to the user terminal 11. In addition, thecommunication unit 140 of the user terminal 11 may search the attachmentdevice 21 which is connectable with the user terminal 11. For example,the communication unit 140 of the user terminal 11 may search the atleast one attachment device 21 using the BLE communication method. Inthis case, the light emitting unit of the attachment device 21 mayflicker in predetermined color (for example, red) to indicate that theattachment device 21 is being connected with the user terminal 11 asshown in view 1650 of FIG. 16.

In response to the attachment device 21 being searched, the userterminal 11 may control the display 130 to display the identificationinformation 1661 of the searched attachment device as shown in view 1660of FIG. 16.

Next, in response to a user input to select the next button beingdetected by the sensing unit 180 of the user terminal 11, thecommunication unit 140 of the user terminal 11 may connect with theattachment device 21. For example, in response to the communication unit140 of the user terminal 11 requesting the hub 31 to connect with theattachment device 21, the hub 31 may request the attachment device 21 toconnect with the user terminal 11.

In response to the attachment device 21 accepting the connection withthe user terminal 11, the light emitting unit of the attachment device21 may flicker in predetermined color (for example, green) as shown inview 1670 of FIG. 16.

In addition, as shown in view 1680 of FIG. 16, the processor 190 of theuser terminal 11 may control the display 130 to display notificationinformation 1681 indicating that the attachment device 21 is connectedand registered at the user terminal 11.

Referring to view 1710 of FIG. 17, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the user may open a package and acquire attachmentdevices 21 to 27. Next, in response to the user detaching the attachmentdevice 21 from an attachment object as shown in view 1720 of FIG. 17,the attachment device 21 may broadcast a beacon signal in the BLEcommunication method. In this case, the attachment device 21 may beturned on as a result of the detaching. In addition, the light emittingunit of the attachment device 21 may flicker in predetermined color (forexample, blue). In another example, when the attachment device 21 isdetached from the attachment object and then is attached to a thing, theattachment device 21 may be turned on.

In response to a broadcasting signal (for example, the beacon signal)being detected by the communication unit 140 of the user terminal 11,the processor 190 of the user terminal 11 may control the display 130 todisplay notification information 1731 indicating that the new attachmentdevice 21 is detected as shown in view 1730 of FIG. 17. Next, thesensing unit 180 of the user terminal 11 may detect a user input toselect an OK button to connect with the attachment device 21.

In response to the user input, the processor 190 of the user terminal 11may execute an application to provide an attachment device settingscreen as shown in view 1740 of FIG. 17. In this case, the lightemitting unit of the attachment device 21 may flicker in predeterminedcolor (for example, red) to indicate that the attachment device 21 isbeing connected with the user terminal 11 as shown in view 1750 of FIG.17.

Next, as a result of executing the application, the processor 190 of theuser terminal 11 may control the display 130 to display the attachmentdevice setting screen to register the attachment device 21 as shown inview 1760 of FIG. 17. While the attachment device setting screen isdisplayed, the sensing unit 180 of the user terminal 11 may detect auser input to enter the identification number of the attachment device21 and select the next button to register the attachment device.

Next, in response to the user input to select the OK button beingdetected by the sensing unit 180 of the user terminal 11, thecommunication unit 140 of the user terminal 11 may connect with theattachment device 21. For example, in response to the communication unit140 of the user terminal 11 requesting the hub 31 to connect with theattachment device 21, the hub 31 may request the attachment device 21 toconnect with the user terminal 11.

In response to the attachment device 21 accepting the connection withthe user terminal 11, the light emitting unit of the attachment device21 may flicker in predetermined color (for example, green) as shown inview 1770 of FIG. 17.

In addition, as shown in view 1780 of FIG. 17, the processor 190 of theuser terminal 11 may control the display 130 to display notificationinformation indicating that the attachment device 21 is connected andregistered at the user terminal 11.

Referring to view 1810 of FIG. 18, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the user may open a package and acquire attachmentdevices 21 to 27. Next, the user may detach the attachment device 21from an attachment object as shown in view 1820 of FIG. 18. As a resultof the detaching, the attachment device 21 may be turned on. Inaddition, the light emitting unit of the attachment device 21 mayflicker in predetermined color (for example, blue). In another example,when the attachment device 21 is detached from the attachment object andthen is attached to a thing, the attachment device 21 may be turned on.

Next, the user may attach the attachment device 21 to the hub 31 or theuser terminal 11 as shown in view 1830 of FIG. 18. In addition, the usermay tag the hub 31 or the user terminal 11 on the attachment device 21.In this case, the hub 31 or the user terminal 11 may acquire theidentification information of the attachment device 21 and applicationidentification information related to the attachment device 21 from theattachment device 21 using the NFC communication method. In addition,the hub 31 or the user terminal 11 may acquire a link address to acquirethe identification information of the attachment device 21 and theapplication identification information related to the attachment device21.

In addition, as shown in view 1850 of FIG. 18, the processor 190 of theuser terminal 11 may automatically execute an application providing anattachment device setting screen. When the application is not installedin the user terminal 11, the processor 190 of the user terminal 11 mayaccess a server to acquire the application. In this case, the lightemitting unit of the attachment device 21 may flicker in predeterminedcolor (for example, red) to indicate that the attachment device 21 isbeing connected with the user terminal 11 as shown in view 1840 of FIG.18.

Next, as a result of executing the application, the processor 190 of theuser terminal 11 may control the display 130 to display the attachmentdevice setting screen to register the attachment device 21 as shown inview 1860 of FIG. 18. While the attachment device setting screen isdisplayed, the sensing unit 180 of the user terminal 11 may detect auser input to enter the identification number of the attachment device21 and select the next button to register the attachment device.

Next, in response to the user input to select the OK button beingdetected by the sensing unit 180 of the user terminal 11, thecommunication unit 140 of the user terminal 11 may connect with theattachment device 21. For example, in response to the communication unit140 of the user terminal 11 requesting the hub 31 to connect with theattachment device 21, the hub 31 may request the attachment device 21 toconnect with the user terminal 11.

In response to the attachment device 21 accepting the connection withthe user terminal 11, the light emitting unit of the attachment device21 may flicker in predetermined color (for example, green) as shown inview 1870 of FIG. 18.

In addition, as shown in view 1880 of FIG. 18, the processor 190 of theuser terminal 11 may control the display 130 to display notificationinformation indicating that the attachment device 21 is connected andregistered at the user terminal 11.

In another example, the electronic device 41 may recognize theattachment device 21 in various methods, such as the above-described NFCcommunication method or the BLE communication method, or by recognizingthe image of the attachment device 21 or the barcode of the attachmentdevice 21 in addition to a manual input. However, this should not beconsidered as limiting.

FIGS. 19 to 20 are views showing a process of controlling an electronicdevice according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 19 to 20, when the attachment device 21 and theelectronic device 41 are matched with each other, the sensing unit 180of the user terminal 11 may detect a user input to control theelectronic device (for example, an air conditioner). In response to theuser input, the processor 190 of the user terminal 11 may control thecommunication unit 140 of the user terminal 11 to transmit theidentification information of the electronic device 41 and dataconfigured in a first communication format (for example, an format ofWi-Fi, 3G, LTE, etc.) in relation to one function (for example, an ONfunction) of the electronic device (for example, an air conditioner) tothe indoor hub 31 via the cloud 51. The hub 31 may acquire theidentification information of the attachment device 21 corresponding tothe identification information of the electronic device 41 using amapping table 1901 in which the identification information of each ofthe attachment devices 21, 22 is mapped onto each of the plurality ofelectronic devices 41, 42. Next, the hub 31 may transmit data configuredin a second communication format (for example, a BT format)corresponding to the data configured in the first communicationformation in relation to one function to the identified attachmentdevice 21.

The processor 590 of the attachment device 21 may control thecommunication unit 540 to transmit data configured in a thirdcommunication format (for example, a BT format) in relation to onefunction of the electronic device to the electronic device 41 to whichthe attachment device 21 is attached, using a mapping table 1902 inwhich data configured in the second communication format (for example,the BT format) in relation to the plurality of functions of theelectronic device 41 are mapped onto the data configured in the thirdcommunication format (for example, the IR format).

In response to the data configured in the third communication format,the electronic device 41 may control itself to perform one function (forexample, an ON function).

Referring to FIG. 20, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the sensing unit 180 of the user terminal 11 may detect auser input to control an electronic device. In response to the userinput, the processor 190 of the user terminal 11 may control thecommunication unit 140 to transmit the identification information of theelectronic device 41 and control data configured in the firstcommunication format in relation to one function of the electronicdevice to the indoor hub 31 at operation 2001. Next, the hub 31 maysearch a connection method to connect with the electronic device 41 atoperation 2003 For example, the hub 31 may determine whether the hub 31is connectible with the electronic device 41 in the IR communication orBT communication method.

As a result of searching, the hub 31 determines whether the hub 31 isconnectable with the electronic device 41 in the BT communication methodor not at operation 2005. When the hub 31 is connectable with theelectronic device 41 in the BT communication method at operation 2005-Y,the hub 31 may directly transmit data configured in the BT communicationformat to the electronic device 41 at operation 2007. In this case, inresponse to the control data configured in the BT communication format,the electronic device 41 may control itself to perform one function (forexample, an ON or OFF function).

On the other hand, when the hub 31 is not connectable with theelectronic device 41 in the BT communication method at operation 2005-N,the hub 31 may transmit control data configured in the BT communicationformat to the attachment device 21 matched with the electronic device 41at operation 2009. The attachment device 21 which has received thecontrol data configured in the BT communication format may acquirecontrol data configured in the IR communication format corresponding tothe control data configured in the BT communication format using mappinginformation at operation 2011. In addition, the attachment device 21 maytransmit the control data configured in the IR communication format tothe electronic device 41 at operation 2013. In this case, in response tothe control data configured in the IR communication format, theelectronic device 41 may control itself to perform one function (forexample, an ON or OFF function) at operation 2015.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are views illustrating a process of preventingmalfunction during use of the electronic device 41 according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 21, according to a user input, the processor 190 ofthe user terminal 11 may control the communication unit 140 of the userterminal 11 to transmit data configured in the first communicationformat in relation to one function (for example, an ON function) of theelectronic device (for example, an air conditioner) to the indoor hub31.

The hub 31 may acquire data configured in the second communicationformat corresponding to the data configured in the first communicationformat, and transmit the data to the attachment device 21 attached tothe electronic device 41.

In response to the data configured in the second communication formatbeing acquired, the processor 590 of the attachment device 21 mayacquire data configured in the third communication format correspondingto the data configured in the second communication format based on themapping information, and control the communication unit 540 to transmitthe data to the electronic device 41 to which the attachment device 21is attached.

Next, the attachment device 21 may determine the operation state of theelectronic device 41. For example, the sensing unit 580 of theattachment device 21 may detect at least one of an electromagneticfield, a sound, a motion, and vibration from the electronic device 41.In addition, the processor 590 of the attachment device 21 may determinethe operation state of the product using the detected information. Inaddition, when the sensing unit 580 of the attachment device 21 isprovided with an image sensor, the attachment device 21 may determinethe operation state of the product based on photographed image data

As a result of determining, when the electronic device 41 is performingan operation related to one function, the processor 590 of theattachment device 21 may control the communication unit 540 to transmitfeedback information indicating that one function is being performed tothe hub 31. In addition, the hub 31 may transmit the received feedbackinformation to the user terminal 11.

On the other hand, when the electronic device 41 is not performing theoperation related to one function as a result of determining, theprocessor 590 of the attachment device 21 may control the communicationunit 540 to transmit the data configured in the third communicationformat in relation to one function to the electronic device 41 again.This process may be repeated until the operation related to one functionof the electronic device 41 is performed.

Referring to FIG. 22, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the processor 190 of the user terminal 11 may control thecommunication unit 140 to transmit the identification information of theelectronic device 41 and control data configured in the firstcommunication format in relation to one function of the electronicdevice to the indoor hub 31 at operation 2201.

The hub 31 may acquire data configured in the BT communication formatcorresponding to the data configured in the first communication formatat operation 2203. Next, the hub 31 may transmit the data configured inthe BT communication format to the attachment device at operation 2205.

The processor 590 of the attachment device 21 may acquire dataconfigured in the third communication format corresponding to the dataconfigured in the second communication format based on the mappinginformation, and may control the communication unit 540 to transmit thedata to the electronic device 41 to which the attachment device 21 isattached at operation 2207.

Next, the attachment device 21 may detect the operation state of theelectronic device 41 at operation 2209, and determine whether theoperation state of the electronic device 41 is normal or not atoperation 2211.

For example, when the attachment device 21 detects whether theelectronic device 41 is turned on or off, the sensing unit 580 of theattachment device 21 may detect the operation state of the electronicdevice 41 by detecting a change in the electromagnetic field withreference to a predetermined threshold value when the electronic device41 is turned on or off using the geomagnetic sensor. In addition, thesensing unit 580 of the attachment device 21 may detect the operationstate of the electronic device 41 by detecting a sound which isgenerated when the electronic device 41 is turned on or off using thesound sensor. In addition, the sensing unit 580 of the attachment device21 may detect the operation state of the electronic device 41 bydetecting the degree of vibration of the electronic device which isgenerated when the electronic device 41 is turned on or off using themotion sensor. In addition, the sensing unit 580 of the attachmentdevice 21 may detect the operation state of the electronic device 41 bydetecting the intensity of light which is generated in the display ofthe electronic device 41 when the electronic device 41 is turned on oroff using the illuminance sensor.

As a result of determining, when the electronic device 41 is normallyoperated at operation 2211-Y, the attachment device 21 may transmitsuccess notification information indicating that the electronic device41 is performing one function to the hub 31 at operation 2213. Inaddition, the hub 31 may transmit the success notification informationto the user terminal 11 at operation 2215.

On the other hand, when the electronic device 41 is not normallyoperated at operation 2211-Y, the attachment device 21 may determinewhether the data configured in the third communication format inrelation to one function is transmitted N or more times at operation2219. As a result of determining, when the data is transmitted less thanN times at operation 2219-N, the attachment device 21 may continuetransmitting the data configured in the third communication format inrelation to one function to the electronic device 41 at operation 2221.In addition, the attachment device 21 may determine the operation stateof the electronic device 41 again.

On the other hand, when the data is transmitted N or more times atoperation 2223-N, the attachment device 21 may transmit failurenotification information indicating that the controlling of theelectronic device 41 fails to the hub 31. In addition, the hub 31 maytransmit the failure notification information to the user terminal 11 atoperation 2225.

As described above, it is determined whether the electronic device 41 isnormally operated or not using the attachment device 21, and, when thecontrolling of the electronic device 41 fails, the controlling of theelectronic device 41 is continuously tried, so that the reliability ofthe user can be guaranteed.

FIG. 23 is a view showing a process of managing the power of theattachment device 21 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

A subminiature device or a thin device such as the attachment device 21has a limit to providing power due to the limited size of a battery.

Referring to view 2310 of FIG. 23, to solve this problem, the attachmentdevice 21 may request the hub 31 to connect communication only when anevent occurs. For example, when the attachment device 21 is attached toa thing (for example, a door, etc.), and the sensing unit 580 of theattachment device 21 detects the door being opened, the processor 590 ofthe attachment device 21 may control the communication unit 540 torequest the hub 31 to connect communication.

Referring to view 2320 of FIG. 23, in another example, the attachmentdevice 21 may periodically request the hub 31 to connect communication.For example, the attachment device 21 may request the hub 31 to connectcommunication every several seconds or several minutes.

Referring to view 2330 of FIG. 23, in another example, the hub 31 mayperiodically request the attachment device 21 to connect communication.For example, the hub 31 may request the attachment device 21 to connectcommunication every several seconds or several minutes.

As described above, the attachment device 21 is connected with otherdevices only when necessary, so that power consumption of the attachmentdevice 21 can be reduced.

FIG. 24 is a view showing a process of controlling the electronic device41 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 24, the processor 190 of the user terminal 11 maycontrol the communication unit 140 to transmit control data configuredin the first communication format (for example, formats of 3G, LTE,etc.) in relation to one function of the electronic device 41 to theindoor hub 31 at operation 2401. When the electronic device 41 is an airconditioner, one function may be a function of turning on or off theelectronic device 41 or a function of setting target temperature of theelectronic device 41.

The hub 31 may transmit control data configured in the secondcommunication format (for example, a BT format, etc.) in relation to onefunction (for example, an ON function, a function of setting targettemperature, etc.), which corresponds to the data configured in thefirst communication format, to the attachment device 21 at operation2403.

Next, the processor 590 of the attachment device 21 may acquire controldata configured in the third communication format (for example, an IRformat, etc.) in relation to one function, and control the communicationunit 540 to transmit the data to the electronic device 41 to which theattachment device 21 is attached at operation 2405.

Next, the sensing unit 580 of the attachment device 21 may detect theoperation state of the electronic device 41. For example, the sensingunit 580 of the attachment device 21 may detect the on or off state ofthe electronic device 41 at operation 2407.

As a result of detecting, the operation state of the electronic device41 may be determined at operation 2409, and, when the operation state ofthe electronic device 41 is not the on state at operation 2409-N, theattachment device 21 may transmit data configured in the secondcommunication format in relation to failure notification information tothe hub 31 at operation 2411. In addition, the hub 31 may transmit dataconfigured in the first communication format in relation to the failurenotification information to the user terminal 11 at operation 2413.

As a result of detecting, when the operation state of the electronicdevice 41 is the on state at operation 2409-Y, the attachment device 21may transmit success notification information indicating that theelectronic device 41 is performing one function to the hub 31 atoperation 2415. In addition, the hub 31 may transmit the successnotification information to the user terminal 11 at operation 2417.

In addition, the attachment device 21 may detect a surroundingenvironment. For example, the temperature sensor included in the sensingunit 580 of the attachment device 21 may detect ambient temperature ofthe electronic device 41 at operation 2419. Herein, the attachmentdevice 21 may detect the surrounding environment of the electronicdevice 41 every several minutes (for example, every one minute or every10 minutes).

Next, the attachment device 21 may determine whether the ambienttemperature falls within a target temperature range pre-set by the userat operation 2421. When the ambient temperature falls within the targettemperature range at operation 2421-Y, the sensing unit 580 of theattachment device 21 may continue detecting the surrounding environment.

On the other hand, when the ambient temperature falls out of the targettemperature range at operation 2421-N, the attachment device 21 maydetermine whether the ambient temperature exceeds the target temperatureat operation 2423.

As a result of determining, when the ambient temperature exceeds thetarget temperature at operation 2423-Y, the attachment device 21 mayacquire control data configured in the third communication (for example,IR, etc.) in relation to a function of reducing temperature, andtransmit the data to the electronic device 41 at operation 2425. In thiscase, the process may be repeated until the ambient temperature detectedby the attachment device 21 falls within the pre-set target temperaturerange.

On the other hand, when the ambient temperature is less than or equal tothe target temperature at operation 2423-N, the attachment device 21 mayacquire control data configured in the third communication (for example,IR, etc.) in relation to a function of increasing temperature, andtransmit the data to the electronic device 41 at operation 2427. In thiscase, the process may be repeated until the ambient temperature detectedby the attachment device 21 exceeds the pre-set target temperature.

As described above, when the electronic device 41 is indirectlycontrolled using the attachment device 21, the user's availability onthe electronic device 41 having no auto temperature adjustment functioncan be enhanced. That is, the attachment device 21 detects the ambienttemperature and controls the temperature control function of theelectronic device 41 (for example, an air conditioner), so that a smarttemperature adjustment environment can be provided.

FIGS. 25A to 30 are views showing a process of attaching the attachmentdevice 21 to a thing and utilizing the same according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 25A, the user terminal 11 may determine the movementstate of the user based on information on a distance between theattachment device 21 attached to an entrance and the user terminal 11.For example, when the distance between the attachment device 21 and theuser terminal 11 is within a predetermined distance, the user terminal11 may determine that the user is going to go out. In this state, when adistance between the attachment devices 22, 23 attached to user'sbelongings (for example, a key, a wallet, etc.) and the user terminal 11is longer than a predetermined distance, the user terminal 11 maydetermine that the user forgets a part of the user's belongings. Inaddition, the user terminal 11 may provide notification information onthe forgotten belongings to the user. For example, the user terminal 11may display the locations of the forgotten belongings.

Referring to FIG. 25B, in another example, in response to motioninformation being received from the attachment device 21 attached to amedicine container according to a user's motion of opening the lid ofthe medicine container, the user terminal 11 may determine an amount ofmedicine remaining in the medicine container from the attachment device21. For example, when the user terminal 11 pre-stores information on thenumber of pills, the user terminal 11 may determine the number ofremaining pills based on the number of times the lid of the medicinecontainer is opened and time at which the lid of the medicine containeris opened. In addition, the user terminal 11 may display informationrelated to the amount of remaining medicine. In addition, when theamount of remaining medicine is less than or equal to a predeterminedvalue, the user terminal 11 may display information for guidingre-prescription.

Referring to FIG. 25C, in another example, the user terminal 11 maydetermine whether a gas range 41 is operated or not based on heatinformation detected by the attachment device 21 attached to the gasrange 41. When it is determined that the gas range 41 is being operated,and the user terminal 11 determines that the entrance is opened based oninformation detected by the attachment devices 22, 23 attached to theentrance (for example, a distance between the attachment devices 22,23), the user terminal 11 may determine that the user went out with thegas range 41 being turned on, and provide notification information tothe user.

Referring to FIG. 25D, in another example, the user terminal 11 maydetermine a surrounding environment of user's house (for example,whether gas leaks or not, whether a power strip is overheated or not,whether heat is generated in a specific place, etc.) based oninformation detected from the attachment devices 21 to 25 attached touser's house. When it is determined that a fire breaks out in a specificplace of the house, the user terminal 11 may provide notificationinformation for alerting the user.

As described above, exact and diverse context information can beacquired based on sensor information detected by the attachment device21, and the user's situation can be determined based on informationacquired by the user terminal 11 or the cloud 51. In addition,notification information suitable for a situation is provided to theuser, so that unnecessary spamming can be prevented and only essentialinformation can be provided.

Referring to FIG. 26A, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the attachment devices 21, 22 attached to an air conditioner41 or in user's house may detect information related to the surroundingenvironment (for example, temperature or humidity). In this case, theattachment device 21 or the hub 31 may control the air conditioner basedon detected information. For example, the temperature, air volume, winddirection, etc. of the air conditioner 41 may be adjusted. In addition,the result of the adjusting may be provided to the user terminal 11. Inresponse to the result of the adjusting being received, the userterminal 11 may display the result of the adjusting through the display.

Referring to FIG. 26B, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, when the user turns on the air conditioner 41 using theattachment device 21, the user terminal 11 may receive informationrelated to the opening and closing of a window from the attachmentdevices 22, 23 attached to the window. For example, the user terminal 11may determine whether the window is opened or not based on a distancebetween the attachment devices 22, 23. When it is determined that thewindow is opened, the user terminal 11 may display notificationinformation requesting the user to close the window through the display.

Referring to FIG. 26C, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the motion sensor of the attachment devices 21, 22 attachedto the entrance may detect the motion of the attachment devices 21, 22.In addition, the proximity sensor of the attachment devices 21, 22attached to the entrance may detect a distance between the attachmentdevices 21, 22. Next, the communication unit 540 of the attachmentdevice 21 may transmit detected information to the hub 31 or the userterminal 11. The hub 31 or the user terminal 11 may determine whetherthe entrance is opened or not based on the information detected by theattachment devices 21, 22 attached to the entrance. For example, whenthe distance between the attachment devices 21, 22 is more than apredetermined distance, the hub 31 or the user terminal 11 may determinethat the entrance is opened. In this case, the hub 31 or the userterminal 11 may transmit control data for controlling the peripheraldevices 41, 42 in the house. For example, the hub 31 or the userterminal 11 may transmit control data to the attachment device 23attached to a lamp 41, and control to turn on the lamp, or transmitcontrol data to the attachment device 24 attached to a digital TV 42,and control to turn on the digital TV 42.

Referring to FIG. 26D, in an example, the hub 31 or the user terminal 11may determine the operation state of the user based on informationdetected by the attachment devices 21, 22, 23 attached to user'sbedding. For example, the hub 31 or the user terminal 11 may determinethat the user gets up using information detected by the motion sensor ofthe attachment devices 21, 22, 23. In this case, the hub 31 or the userterminal 11 may visually or acoustically provide user-customizedinformation such as news, schedule, traffic information, etc. Inaddition, the hub 31 or the user terminal 11 may control the peripheraldevices to provide the above-described information.

As described above, the sensor information detected by the attachmentdevice 21 may be analyzed and learned in the hub 31 or the user terminal11, and thus the peripheral devices may be automatically controlled.That is, the peripheral devices are controlled and thus notificationinformation that the user needs to be aware of may be provided.

Referring to FIG. 27A, in another example, the user terminal 11 maytransmit remote control data to the attachment device 21 attached to amovable peripheral device 41. In response to the control data, theattachment device 21 may control the movable peripheral device 41. Forexample, when the movable peripheral device 41 is provided with acommunication unit, the attachment device 21 may transmit control datawhich is changed to another communication method to the movableperipheral device 41, and thus may control the peripheral device 41 tomove. In addition, the attachment device 21 may control the peripheraldevice 41 to move using vibration, etc. outputted from the haptic unitof the attachment device 21.

Referring to FIG. 27B, in another example, when the attachment device 21is attached to the entrance of a dangerous space (for example, averanda, stairs, a window, etc.), the attachment device 21 may determinewhether a person approaches within a predetermined distance using theproximity sensor. As a result of determining, when a person approacheswithin the predetermined distance, the attachment device 21 may displaynotification information for alerting through the display. In addition,the attachment device 21 may transmit the information detected throughthe proximity sensor to the user terminal 11 or the hub 31. When it isdetermined that the person approaches within the predetermined distancebased on the detected information, the user terminal 11 or the hub 31may display the notification information for alerting through thedisplay.

Referring to FIG. 28A, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the processor 190 of the user terminal 11 may control thecommunication unit 140 to transmit control data for turning on or offthe air conditioner of the electronic device 41 to the attachment device21. In response to the control data being received by the receptionmodule of the communication unit 540 in the first layer 2801 of theattachment device 21, the processor 590 of the attachment device 21 maycontrol the transmission module of the communication 540 in the secondlayer 2802 to transmit the control data which is changed in anothercommunication format to the electronic device 41.

In addition, the processor 590 of the attachment device 21 may determinewhether to detect the operation state of the air conditioner accordingto the type of control data. When it is determined that the operationstate of the air conditioner will be detected, the geomagnetic sensor ofthe sensing unit 580 in the third layer 2803 of the attachment device 21may transmit geomagnetic information of the air conditioner to theprocessor 590 of the attachment device 21. The processor 590 of theattachment device 21 may determine the operation state of the airconditioner based on the geomagnetic information, and may transmitnotification information corresponding to the result of the determiningto the user terminal 11 or the hub 31 through the transmission module ofthe communication unit 540 in the second layer 2802.

Referring to FIG. 28B, in another example, the motion sensor of thesensing unit 580 in the third layer 2813 of the attachment device 21,which is attached to the lid of the medicine container, may acquiremotion information accompanied by the opening of the lid of the medicinecontainer. In response to the motion information being acquired, thetransmission module in the second layer 2812 of the attachment device 21may transmit information on user's does to the user terminal 11. Theprocessor 190 of the user terminal 11 may determine notificationinformation on the medicine based on the information on the user's does.For example, when the number of pills is pre-stored in the storage 150of the user terminal 11, the processor 190 of the user terminal 11 maydetermine the number of remaining pills and whether to re-prescribe ornot based on the number of times the lid of the medicine container isopened and time at which the lid of the medicine container is opened.Next, the processor 190 of the user terminal 11 may control the display130 to display the notification information on the medicine. Inaddition, the processor 190 of the user terminal 11 may control thecommunication unit 140 to transmit the notification information on themedicine to the attachment device 21. In response to the notificationinformation on the medicine being received by the attachment device 21,the display in the first layer 2811 of the attachment device 21 maydisplay the notification information on the medicine.

Referring to FIG. 28C, when gas leaks or a power strip is overheated,the temperature sensor of the sensing unit 580 in the fourth layer 2824of the attachment device 21 attached to a thing in user's house maydetect the temperature of the thing In addition, the gas sensor of thesensing unit 580 in the first layer 2821 of the attachment device 21 maydetect the gas leak in the surrounding environment. In this case, theprocessor 590 in the third layer 2823 of the attachment device 21 maydetermine whether a detected temperature value or gas concentrationvalue exceeds a predetermined range or not. In addition, when thedetected value exceeds the predetermined range, the processor 590 in thethird layer 2823 of the attachment device 21 may control thetransmission module of the communication unit 540 in the second layer2822 to transmit the information for alerting to the user terminal 11.

As described above, the attachment device 21 may detect the vibration,sound, temperature, motion, etc. of the thing through the internal layer2824, and determine the operation state of the thing based on thedetected value. In addition, the attachment device 21 may transmit theresult of the determining to the user terminal 11, or may directlycontrol the thing based on the result of the determining

In addition, the attachment device 21 may detect the ambienttemperature, humidity, gas, illumination, etc. through the externallayer 2821, and determine the operation state of the thing based on thedetected value. In addition, the attachment device 21 may transmit theresult of the determining to the user terminal 11, or may directlycontrol the thing based on the result of the determining In addition,the attachment device 21 may broadcast signals (for example, beaconsignals) to the outside of the attachment device 21 through thecommunication unit 540 in the external layer 2821.

In other words, when the attachment device 21 is attached to a legacydevice or a smart device, the attachment device 21 may control some ofthe devices remotely or may add a smart function to the devices.

Referring to FIG. 29, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the user may point toward a first attachment device 21attached to a first electronic device 41 in a first space (for example,a bed room), and select one button of the remote controller 61 so as toperform one function (for example, an ON function) of a third electronicdevice 43 (for example, an air conditioner). The first attachment device21 which has received control data configured in the IR communicationformat from the remote controller 61 may re-transmit the control dataconfigured in the IR communication format to a second attachment device22 attached to a second electronic device 42 located in a second space(for example, a living room). The second attachment device 22 which hasreceived the control data may re-transmit the control data configured inthe IR communication format to a third attachment device 23 attached tothe third electronic device 43 located in a third space (for example, astudy room). In response to the control data being received, the thirdelectronic device 43 may perform one function.

Referring to FIG. 30, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the temperature sensor of the sensing unit 580 in the thirdlayer 3013 of the attachment device 21 may detect the temperature of athing (for example, an iron) at operation 3021.

The processor 590 of the attachment device 21 may determine whether thetemperature is higher than or equal to a predetermined value, that is,the temperature is so high as to cause burns to the user based on thedetected temperature at operation 3022. In addition, the detectedinformation may be transmitted to the user terminal 11, and theprocessor 190 of the user terminal 11 may determine whether thetemperature is so high as to cause burns to the user at operation 3022.

As a result of determining, when the temperature is so high as to causeburns to the user, the proximity sensor of the sensing unit 580 in thefirst layer 3011 of the attachment device 21 may detect a distance fromthe thing to the user at operation 3023. The processor 590 of theattachment device 21 may determine whether the user is within apredetermined distance from the thing based on the detected distance atoperation 3024. In addition, the detected information may be transmittedto the user terminal 11, and the processor 190 of the user terminal 11may determine whether the user is within the predetermined distance fromthe thing at operation 3024.

As a result of determining, when it is determined that the user is inthe proximity of the thing, the attachment device 21 may displaynotification information for alerting through the display in the secondlayer 3012 at operation 3025. In addition, the result of the determiningmay be transmitted to the user terminal 11, and the user terminal 11 maydisplay the notification information for alerting through the display130 at operation 3025.

Meanwhile, the user terminal 11 may transmit the received sensinginformation to the cloud 51. In addition, the attachment device 21 maydirectly transmit the sensing information to the cloud 51. In this case,the cloud 51 may analyze a user's behavior pattern, etc. based on thereceived information, and provide notification information to the userterminal 11 or the attachment device 21 when a similar situation ispredicted in the future.

As described above, the attachment device 21 is implemented in such apattern that sensors are vertically stacked, and thus shares theinformation or feedback (for example, notification information) detectedby the sensors in a short-distance wireless communication method. Inparticular, when the display is implemented in one layer of theattachment device 21, the display may provide various images with lowpower by interworking with the sensors of the attachment device 21.

FIGS. 31 to 35 are views showing a process of attaching the attachmentdevice 21 to a person and utilizing the same according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 31, the sensing unit 580 in the internal layer 3103 ofthe attachment device 21 may detect user's biological signals. Forexample, the pulse sensor of the sensing unit 580 may detect a user'spulse at operation 3111. In addition, the heart beat sensor of thesensing unit 580 may detect a user's heartbeat.

The processor 590 of the attachment device 21 may determine whether apre-designated user wears the attachment device 21 or not based on adetected pulse signal value at operation 3112. For example, theprocessor 590 of the attachment device 21 may determine whether thepre-designated user wears the attachment device 21 by comparing thedetected pulse signal value and a pre-designated user pulse signalvalue. In addition, the transmission module of the communication unit540 in one layer 3102 of the attachment device 21 may transmit thedetected pulse signal value to least one user terminal 11, 12 or thecloud 51. In this case, the at least one user terminal 11, 12 or thecloud 51 may determine whether the pre-designated user wears theattachment device 21 or not based on the acquired pulse signal value,and transmit the result of the determining to the attachment device 21.

As a result of determining, when it is determined that thepre-designated user wears the attachment device 21, the sensing unit 580in the external layer 3101 of the attachment device 21 may detect theuser's biological signals. For example, the fingerprint sensor of thesensing unit 580 may detect a user's fingerprint at operation 3113.

Next, the processor 590 of the attachment device 21 may determinewhether the detected fingerprint is consistent with the pre-designateduser's fingerprint based on the characteristic value of the detectedfingerprint at operation 3114. In addition, the transmission module ofthe communication 540 in one layer 3102 of the attachment device 21 maytransmit the characteristic value of the detected fingerprint to the atleast one user terminal 11, 12 or the cloud 51. In this case, the atleast one user terminal 11, 12 or the cloud 51 may determine whether thedetected fingerprint is consistent with the pre-designated user'sfingerprint based on the characteristic value of the fingerprint.

Next, the transmission module of the communication unit 540 in one layer3102 of the attachment device 21 may transmit the result ofauthenticating whether the user is consistent with the pre-designateduser to the at least one user terminal 11, 12. Next, in response to theresult of the authenticating being received, the processor 190 of the atleast one user terminal 11, 12 may control the display 130 to displayinformation related to the result of the authenticating at operation3115. In addition, when another layer of the attachment device 21 isprovided with a display, the attachment device 21 may displayinformation related to the result of the authenticating through thedisplay.

As described above, the user's pulse and fingerprint are detectedthrough the internal layer 3103 which is in contact with user's skin,and the external layer 3102 which is exposed to the outside, and complexauthentication is performed through these layers, so that usability isenhanced as security is improved, and an unnecessary error can beprevented. In addition, the respective sensors are included in differentlayers rather than being arranged horizontally, and are stacked on theuser's skin, so that user's inconvenience (for example, a rash,tightened skin, etc.) can be solved.

Referring to FIG. 32, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the environment sensor of the sensing unit 580 in theexternal layer 3201 of the attachment device 21 may detect thetemperature or humidity of the surrounding environment or theconcentration of fine dust at operation 3211. For example, a fine dustsensor may detect the concentration of fine dust which is harmful touser's health.

The processor 590 of the attachment device 21 may determine whether thesurrounding environment is harmful to user's health based on thedetected surrounding environment information at operation 3212. In thiscase, the determining process may be performed in the user terminal 11or the cloud 51 which receives the surrounding environment information.

Next, when it is determined that the surrounding environment is harmfulto user's health, the processor 590 of the attachment device 21 maycontrol the transmission module of the communication unit 540 in onelayer 3202 to transmit notification information for alerting to the userterminal 11. The processor 190 of the user terminal 11 which hasreceived the notification information may control the display 130 todisplay the notification information at operation 3213.

In addition, when the processor 590 of the attachment device 21determines that the surrounding environment is harmful to user's health,the blood medicine concentration sensor of the sensing unit 580 in theinternal layer 3204 may detect the concentration of medicine in theuser's blood at operation 3214. The processor 590 of the attachmentdevice 21 which has acquired a medicine concentration value from thesensing unit 580 may determine whether it is necessary to administermedicine to the user at operation 3215. In addition, the user terminal11 may acquire the medicine concentration value and thus determinewhether it is necessary to administer medicine to the user at operation3215.

Next, when it is determined that it is necessary to administer medicineto the user, the processor 590 of the attachment device 21 may control amicro needle in the internal layer 3204 to administer the medicine inthe medicine container in one layer 3203 to user's skin at operation3216.

As described above, the surrounding environment information is detectedthrough the external layer 3201 of the attachment device 21, and themedicine is administered through the internal layer 3204 based on thesurrounding environment information, so that user's health can becontinuously managed. Additionally, the result of prescribing themedicine for the user such as medicine injection may be transmitted tothe user terminal 11 or the cloud 51, so that user's health can besystematically managed. In addition, when it is difficult for theattachment device 21 to administer the medicine or the medicine isadministered, the processor 590 of the attachment device 21 may providefeedback to the user through the haptic unit. In addition, theattachment device 21 may transmit the feedback information to theelectronic device 41 or the user terminal 11, and the user terminal orthe electronic device 41 may provide visual, acoustic or hapticfeedback.

Referring to FIG. 33A, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, when the attachment device 21 is provided with a display,the processor 590 of the attachment device 21 may control the display toprovide an image like moving tattoos. In addition, when the attachmentdevice 21 is formed of a plurality of layers and an image is mapped ontoeach of the layers, the processor 590 of the attachment device 21 maycontrol to provide an image like moving tattoos by supplying power tothe plurality of layers in sequence. When the image like the movingtattoos is provided may be determined user's motion information oruser's bio information acquired by the sensing unit 580 of theattachment device 21. As described above, moving tattoos may be providedusing the attachment device 21 at low power or low cost which iscustomized by the user.

Referring to FIG. 33B, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the processor 590 of the attachment device 21 may controlthe display to display a payment code inserted into one layer 3312 in aspecial situation. For example, the processor 590 of the attachmentdevice 21 may control the external layer 3311 to display the paymentcode image inserted into one layer by changing the colored externallayer 3311 of the attachment device 21 (for example, skin color) to thetransparent external layer 3311. In addition, the processor 590 of theattachment device 21 may control the display to display the payment codethrough the display of the attachment device 21.

The special situation may refer to a situation in which payment isneeded and user authentication is performed in response to the sensingunit 580 detecting a user's touch on the external layer 3311 of theattachment device 21. In addition, the special situation may refer to asituation in which the user terminal 11 is located within apredetermined distance from the attachment device 21 or the userterminal 11 executes an application related to payment.

Referring to FIG. 33C, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, when the plurality of layers 3321, 3322, 3323 of theattachment device 21 are vertically stacked, the processor 590 of theattachment device 21 may select one layer from the plurality of layers3321, 3322, 3323 based on the intensity of pressure of the user pressingthe attachment device 21. In addition, according to the result of theselecting, the processor 590 of the attachment device 21 may control todisplay an image (for example, a tattoos image) included in the selectedlayer. For example, the processor 590 of the attachment device 21 maysupply power to display the image of the selected layer.

As described above, when the plurality of layers 3321, 3322, and 3323include different images, the images included in the plurality of layers3321, 3322, 3323 may be selectively displayed according to the intensityof the user's pressure on the attachment device 21.

Referring to FIG. 34, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, when the attachment device 21 is formed a plurality oflayers 3401, 3402, and 3403, the first layer 3401 may include thesensing unit 580, the second layer 3402 may include a plurality oftransparent displays, and the third layer 3403 may include anauthentication key provider.

In this case, the sensing unit 580 of the first layer 3401 may detect auser's touch, gesture, or fingerprint.

In addition, the plurality of transparent displays of the second layer3402 may be displayed transparently or opaquely. For example, thetransparent displays may be normally displayed in color like skin color,and may be displayed transparently in a special condition.

In addition, the authentication key provider of the third layer 3403 mayprovide various kinds of authentication keys. For example, the thirdlayer 3403 may display a barcode image or a quick response (QR) codeimage which is printed, and may display a code image for authenticatingthrough the display. In addition, the authentication key provider mayprovide an authentication key including an NFC tag.

Herein, power may be supplied to the first layer 3401 and the secondlayer 3402, and data may be transmitted/received between the layers in ashort-distance wireless communication method. On the other hand, thethird layer 3403 provides the code image or the NFC tag, and thus extrapower may not be supplied to the third layer 3403. That is, the wearableattachment device 21 may perform authentication when power supply islimited.

In this situation, the sensing unit 580 of the first layer 3401 maydetect a user input. For example, the touch sensor of the sensing unit580 may detect a user input to perform a single touch or a multi-touch.

In response to the user input, the plurality of transparent displays ofthe second layer may be selectively displayed. For example, in responseto a single touch being detected, a transparent display corresponding toa barcode image may be transparently displayed, and the othertransparent displays may be maintained opaquely (for example, in skincolor). In addition, in response to a multi-touch being detected, atransparent display corresponding to a QR code image may betransparently displayed, and the other transparent displays may bemaintained opaquely (for example, in skin color). In addition, the usermay perform user authentication using the displayed authentication key.

As described above, the attachment device 21 is normally displayed inskin color, and provides the authentication key only when necessary (forexample, only for payment), so that the security of the authenticationkey and user's convenience can be improved.

Referring to FIG. 35, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, when the attachment device 21 is formed of a plurality oflayers 3501, 3502, 3503, each of the plurality of layers 3501, 3502,3503 may include the sensing unit 580.

In this case, the plurality of layers 3501, 3502, 3503 may displaydifferent information according to user's bio information. For example,when the user's temperature is detected as being from 36-37 degreesthrough the sensing unit 580 of the first layer 3501, the first layer3501 may be displayed in first color (for example, skin color) as shownin view 3510 of FIG. 35. In addition, a first image which is a printedimage of the first layer 3501 may be displayed.

In another example, when the user's temperature is detected as beingbelow 36 degrees through the sensing unit 580 of the second layer 3502,the second layer 3502 may be displayed in second color (for example,light red) as shown in view 3520 of FIG. 35. In addition, a second imagewhich is a printed image of the second layer 3502 may be displayed.

In another example, when the user's temperature is detected as exceeding37 degrees through the sensing unit 580 of the third layer 3503, thethird layer 3503 may be displayed in third color (for example, dark red)as shown in view 3530 of FIG. 35. In addition, a third image which is aprinted image of the third layer 3503 may be displayed.

In this situation, the plurality of layers 3501, 3502, 3503 displaydifferent colors according to the results of the detecting of therespective layers 3501, 3502, 3503, and thus extra datatransmission/reception may not be required between the plurality oflayers 3501, 3502, 3503.

In addition, when the sensing unit 580 of one of the plurality of layers3501, 3502, 3503 detects the bio information, the colors of theplurality of layers 3501, 3502, 3503 may be selectively displayedaccording to the detected bio information. For example, the processor590 of the attachment device 21 may acquire the user's temperature fromthe sensing unit 580 of one layer, and selectively transmit control datato the plurality of layers 3501, 3502, 3503 according to the acquiredtemperature. For example, when the user's temperature is 36.5 degrees,the processor 590 of the attachment device 21 may transmit the controldata to the first layer 3501. In this case, in response to the controldata, the first layer 3501 may be displayed in the first color.

FIGS. 36A to 36C are views showing a process of attaching and detachingsome of the plurality of layers of the attachment device 21 according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 36A, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a layer 3601 which includes a battery from among theplurality of layers 3601, 3602 of the attachment device 21 may beselectively attached and detected. For example, when the battery of theattachment device 21 is discharged, the user may remove the layer 3601including the discharged battery, and may attach a layer 3603 includinga new battery. In order to inform whether the battery is discharged ornot, the processor 590 of the attachment device 21 may display batteryinformation through the display included in one layer. In this case, thelayers 3601, 3603 including the battery may be external layers which areexposed to the outside to facilitate attachment and detachment.

As described above, when the layers of the attachment device 21 areattachable and detachable, the user may carry a layer including abattery, and may additionally attach the layer to the attachment deviceor replace another layer with the layer when necessary, therebycontinuously providing power to the attachment device 21.

On the other hand, when the battery is chargeable, the layer includingthe battery may be an internal layer. In this case, the layer includingthe battery may be attached to a wireless charging pad and supplied withpower.

Referring to FIG. 36B, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a layer 3611 which includes the processor 590 from among theplurality of layers 3611, 3612 of the attachment device 21 may beselectively attached and detached. For example, when it is necessary toprovide a new service or a new function, the user may remove the layer3611 including the existing processor 590 and attach a layer 3613including a new processor 590.

Referring to FIG. 36C, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a layer 3621 which includes the storage 550 from among theplurality of layers 3621, 3622 of the attachment device 21 may beselectively attached and detached. For example, when it is necessary toprovide a new service or a new function, the user may remove the layer3621 including the existing storage 550 and attach a layer 3623including a new storage 550.

Meanwhile, when some of the plurality of layers of the attachment device21 is detected or attached, the attachment device 21 may beautomatically reset in response to the layer being detached or attached.The data used for resetting the attachment device 21 may be transmittedin a short-distance communication method through the common unit or thecommunication unit 540 of the attachment device 21.

In addition, when some of the plurality of layers of the attachmentdevice 21 is attached, a service or a function which may be executed inrelation to the newly attached layer may be automatically set andprovided. In addition, information on the new service or function may beprovided through the display of the attachment device 21 or the display130 of the user terminal 11.

On the other hand, when some of the plurality of layers of theattachment device 21 is detached, a service or a function which may beexecuted in relation to the remaining layer may be automatically set andprovided. In addition, the detachment state of the layer or informationon the service or function which may be executed in relation to theremaining layer may be provided through the display of the attachmentdevice 21 or the display 130 of the user terminal 11.

FIG. 37 is a view showing various examples of attaching the attachmentdevice 21 to a person according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

View 3710 of FIG. 37 shows various examples of attachment locations of aperson to which the attachment device 21 is attached. In particular, theattachment device 21 may be manufactured in various shapes consideringthe area of the attachment location, the curvature of the attachmentlocation, and whether the attachment device 21 is attached or detached.In addition, the attachment device 21 may be utilized for variouspurposes according to attachment locations. For example, when theattachment location is a calf, the attachment device 21 may be used torelax person's muscles. In addition, when the attachment location is ahip, the attachment device 21 may be used to measure how long a personsits.

As described above, the attachment device 21 may be implemented invarious methods and may be freely attached regardless of the surfaceshape of a person or thing In addition, the attachment device 21 may bemanufactured in various sizes and shapes according to the purposesthereof.

View 3720 of FIG. 37 shows various examples of information that theattachment device 21 attached to person's skin can detect. For example,when the attachment device 21 detects biological signals, the attachmentdevice 21 may detect person's temperature, hear beat, sweat, blood flow,oxygen saturation, brainwave, etc. In addition, when the attachmentdevice 21 is attached to a skin surface, the attachment device 21 maydetect a skin state, a scar state, skin flexibility, etc. In addition,the attachment device 21 may detect a body's motion, flexibility,pressure, a touch location, or whether a touch is made or not. Inaddition, the attachment device may detect a surrounding environment.For example, the attachment device 21 may detect fine dustconcentration, an amount of ultraviolet ray, temperature, humidity, asound, an ambient image, a location, weather, etc.

View 3730 of FIG. 37 shows various examples of information that theattachment device 21 can output. For example, the attachment device 21may display an image or output vibration, a sound, light, and anelectrical impulse. In addition, the attachment device 21 may betightened or loosened to increase adhesion. In addition, the attachmentdevice 21 may be torn or automatically detached from an attachmentobject when a function is completely performed or when a predeterminedtime elapses.

View 3740 of FIG. 37 shows various examples of supplying power to theattachment device 21. For example, the attachment device 21 may besupplied with power through body heat, body's motion, solar heat, drawnblood, etc.

FIG. 38 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration ofa system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 38, the system 10 may include a user terminal 11, aserver 51-1 included in a cloud 51, a hub 31, and at least oneattachment device 21, 22, 23.

The user terminal 11 and the server 51-1, and the server 51-1 and thehub 31 may be connected with each other through various communicationmethods. For example, they may be connected with each other through 3G,LTE, etc. which is a first communication method.

The hub 31 and the attachment devices 21, 22, 23 may be connected witheach other through various communication methods. For example, they maybe connected with each other through Wi-Fi, BLE, BT, etc. which is asecond communication method.

The attachment devices 21, 22, 23 and electronic devices 41, 42 may beconnected with each other through various communication methods. Forexample, they may be connected with each other through Wi-Fi, BLE, BT,IR, RFID, NFC, etc. which is a third communication method.

In this case, the first to third communication methods may be differentcommunication methods, and the first communication method may be along-distance communication method, and an area covered by the firstcommunication method may be larger than an area covered by ashort-distance communication method such as the second communicationmethod or the third communication method. In this case, an area coveredby the second communication method may be larger than an area covered bythe third communication method.

The user terminal 11 may include a display 130, a processor 190, and acommunication unit 140. The configurations of the display 130, theprocessor 190, and the communication unit 140 have been described in theabove explanations, and thus a redundant explanation thereof is omitted.

The server 51-1 may include a communication unit 3801 and a processor3802. The communication unit 3801 of the server 51-1 may communicatewith an external device such as the user terminal 11 or the hub 31according to various kinds of communication methods.

The hub 31 may include a communication unit 3811 and a processor 3812.The communication unit 3811 of the hub 31 may communicate with anexternal device such as the server 51-1 or the attachment devices 21,22, 23 according to various kinds of communication methods.

The attachment devices 21, 22 each may include a communication unit 540,a processor 590, a sensing unit 580, and a storage 550. In addition, theother attachment device 23 may include a communication unit 540, aprocessor 590, a storage 550, a sensing unit 580, and a haptic unit3821. In the system 10, the attachment device 21 may be attached to anelectronic device, the attachment device 22 may be attached to a person,and the attachment device 23 may be attached to a wall.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 190of the user terminal 11 may receive a user input to request theoperation state of the person or thing to which the attachment devices21, 22, 23 are attached, or surrounding environment information. Inresponse to the user input, the communication unit 140 of the userterminal 11 may transmit the request information to the communicationunit 3801 of the server 51-1.

Next, in response to the received request information, the processor 590of the server 51-1 may transmit the request information to thecommunication unit 3811 of the indoor hub 31. In response to the requestinformation being received by the communication unit 3811, the processor3812 of the hub 31 may transmit the request information to thecommunication unit 540 of at least one attachment device 21, 22, 23.

Next, in response to the received request information, the processor 590of each of the attachment devices 21, 22, 23 may control the sensingunit 580 of each of the attachment devices 21, 22, 23 to acquire theoperation state of the person or thing to which the attachment devices21, 22, 23 are attached or the surrounding environment information.

Accordingly, the sensing unit 580 of the attachment device 21 mayacquire data related to the operation state of the electronic device. Inaddition, the sensing unit 580 of the attachment device 22 may acquiredata related to the person's health state or the operation state. Inaddition, the sensing unit 580 of the attachment device 23 may acquiredata related to the surrounding environment information.

Next, the processor 590 of each of the attachment devices 21, 22, 23 maycontrol the communication unit 540 to transmit the sensing data acquiredthrough the sensing unit 580 to the communication unit 3811 of the hub31.

In response to the sensing data being acquired, the processor 3812 ofthe hub 31 may transmit the collected sensing data to the communicationunit 3801 of the server 51-1.

Next, in response to the sensing data being received, the processor 3802of the server 51-1 may analyze the received sensing data. In addition,as a result of analyzing the sensing data, the processor 3802 mayacquire notification information to be notified to the user,recommendation information for the user, etc. In this case, the resultof the analyzing may be acquired using a variety of information such asexisting sensing data acquired by the server 51-1, a result of analyzingthe existing sensing data, user's profile information, user behaviorhistory information, etc.

Next, the processor 3802 of the server 51-1 may provide the acquirednotification information, recommendation information, etc. to thecommunication unit 140 of the user terminal 11.

The processor 190 of the user terminal 11 may control the display 130 todisplay the received notification information, recommendationinformation, etc.

FIGS. 39 to 42 are flowcharts to illustrate a method for controlling aportable terminal according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 39, the attachment device 21 may receive mappinginformation in which data configured in a first communication format anddata configured in second communication format in relation to onefunction of the electronic device 41, to which the attachment device 21is attached, are mapped, and store the mapping information at operationS3901. In response to one attachment device being selected from anattachment device list of the user terminal 11, the attachment device 21may receive the mapping information related to one function of theelectronic device 41 from the user terminal 11 or the hub 31, and storethe mapping information.

Next, the attachment device 21 may receive data configured in the firstcommunication format from the user terminal 11 or the hub 31 which iscommunicably connected with the attachment device 21 at operation S3902.

Next, the attachment device 21 may acquire data configured in the secondcommunication format corresponding to the data configured in the firstcommunication format based on the stored mapping information atoperation S3903.

Next, the attachment device 21 may transmit the data configured in thesecond communication format to the electronic device 41 to perform onefunction of the electronic device 41 at operation S3904.

In this case, the attachment device 21 may transmit the data configuredin the second communication format to the electronic device 41 based onthe operation state of the electronic device 41. For example, when theelectronic device 41 is detected as being pre-operated, the attachmentdevice 21 may not transmit the data configured in the secondcommunication format to the electronic device 41.

In addition, the attachment device 21 may transmit the data configuredin the second communication format to the electronic device 41 based onthe surrounding environment information of the attachment device 21. Forexample, the electronic device 41 may detect ambient temperature orhumidity, and transmit the data configured in the second communicationformat for controlling the electronic device 41 to the electronic device41 considering the surrounding environment information.

Referring to FIG. 40, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the attachment device 21 may receive mapping information inwhich data configured in a first communication format and dataconfigured in second communication format in relation to one function ofthe electronic device 41, to which the attachment device 21 is attached,are mapped, and store the mapping information at operation S4001.

Next, the attachment device 21 may receive data configured in the firstcommunication format from the user terminal 11 or the hub 31 which iscommunicably connected with the attachment device 21 at operation S4002.

Next, the attachment device 21 may acquire data configured in the secondcommunication format corresponding to the data configured in the firstcommunication format based on the stored mapping information atoperation S4003.

Next, the attachment device 21 may transmit the data configured in thesecond communication format to the electronic device 41 to perform onefunction of the electronic device 41 at operation S4004.

Next, the attachment device 21 may transmit information on the operationstate of the electronic device 41 to the user terminal 11 or the hub 31at operation S4009. For example, the attachment device 21 may detectwhether the electronic device 41 is in an on state or an off state, andmay transmit the result of the detecting to the user terminal 11 or thehub 31 at operation S4009.

Referring to FIG. 41, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the user terminal 11 may display a list of a plurality ofattachment devices which are attachable to the electronic device 41 atoperation S4101.

Next, the user terminal 11 may determine whether a user input to selectone attachment device 21 is received or not at operation S4102. As aresult of determining, when the user input to select one attachmentdevice 21 is received at operation S4102-Y, the user terminal 11 maytransmit mapping information in which data configured in a firstcommunication format and data configured in a second communicationformat in relation to one function of the electronic device 41 aremapped to the selected attachment device 21 at operation S4103.

Next, the user terminal 11 may display information on the function ofthe electronic device 41 which is controllable by the attachment device21.

Referring to FIG. 42, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the user terminal 11 may display a list of a plurality ofattachment devices which are attachable to the electronic device 41 atoperation S4201.

Next, the user terminal 11 may determine whether a user input to selectone attachment device 21 is received or not at operation S4202. As aresult of determining, when the user input to select one attachmentdevice 21 is received at operation S4202-Y, the user terminal 11 may mapthe identification information of the electronic device 41 and theidentification information of the selected attachment device 21, andstore the mapping information at operation S4203.

Next, the user terminal 11 may control to transmit mapping informationin which data configured in a first communication format and dataconfigured in a second communication format in relation to one functionof the electronic device 41 are mapped to the selected attachment device21 at operation S4204.

In this case, the user terminal 11 may directly transmit the mappinginformation to the attachment device 21, may transmit the mappinginformation to the attachment device 21 via the hub 31, may transmit themapping information to the attachment device 21 via the cloud 51, or maytransmit the mapping information to the attachment device 21 via thecloud 51 or the hub 31.

In addition, in response to the user terminal 11 transmitting a mappinginformation request signal to the hub 31, the hub 31 may transmit themapping information stored in the hub 31 to the attachment device 21. Inaddition, in response to the user terminal 11 transmitting the mappinginformation request signal to the cloud 51, the cloud 51 may directlytransmit the mapping information stored in the cloud 51 to theattachment device 21, and the cloud 51 may transmit the mappinginformation stored in the cloud 51 to the attachment device 21 via thehub 31.

The method for controlling the electronic device in the user terminal 11according to the above-described embodiments of the present disclosuremay be implemented as a program and provided. Specifically, anon-transitory computer readable medium which stores a program includingthe method for controlling the electronic device in the user terminal 11may be provided.

The non-transitory computer readable medium refers to a medium thatstores data semi-permanently rather than storing data for a very shorttime, such as a register, a cache, a memory or etc., and is readable byan apparatus. Specifically, the above-described programs may be storedin the non-transitory computer readable medium such as a compact disc(CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a hard disk, a Blu-ray disk, auniversal serial bus (USB), a memory card, a ROM or etc., and may beprovided. In addition, the above-described programs may be stored in thestorage 150 of the user terminal 11 by way of an example of thenon-transitory computer readable medium, and provided.

In addition, the method for controlling the electronic device in theattachment device 21 according to the above-described embodiments of thepresent disclosure may be implemented as a program and provided.Specifically, a non-transitory computer readable medium which stores aprogram including the method for controlling the electronic device inthe attachment device 21 may be provided.

The non-transitory computer readable medium refers to a medium thatstores data semi-permanently rather than storing data for a very shorttime, such as a register, a cache, a memory or etc., and is readable byan apparatus. Specifically, the above-described programs may be storedin the non-transitory computer readable medium such as a CD, a DVD, ahard disk, a Blu-ray disk, a USB, a memory card, a ROM or etc., and maybe provided. In addition, the above-described programs may be stored inthe storage 550 of the attachment device 21 by way of an example of thenon-transitory computer readable medium, and provided.

While the present disclosure has been shown and described with referenceto various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilledin the art that various changes in form and details may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for controlling an electronic device ina user terminal, the method comprising: displaying a list of a pluralityof attachment devices which are attachable to the electronic device;receiving a user input to select an attachment device to control theelectronic device from the attachment device list; and based on the userinput, controlling to transmit, to the selected attachment device,mapping information in which data configured in a first communicationformat and data configured in a second communication format in relationto one function of the electronic device are mapped.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: mapping identification information of theelectronic device and identification information of the selectedattachment device; and storing the mapping information.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising displaying information related to a functionof the electronic device which is controllable by the selectedattachment device.
 4. The method of claim 3, the displaying informationcomprises: receiving an operation state of the electronic device from tothe selected attachment device; and displaying the information relatedto the function of the electronic device based on the received operationstate of the electronic device.
 5. The method of claim 4, furthercomprising transmitting data configured in the first communicationformat to the selected attachment device, the data corresponding to auser input with respect to the displayed information related to thefunction of the electronic device.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein thecontrolling to transmit the mapping information to the selectedattachment device comprises controlling, by at least one of the userterminal, the hub, and a cloud, to transmit the mapping information tothe selected attachment device.
 7. A user terminal which controls anelectronic device, the user terminal comprising: a display configured todisplay a list of a plurality of attachment devices which are attachableto the electronic device; and a processor configured to, based on a userinput to select an attachment device to control the electronic devicefrom the attachment device list, control to transmit, to the selectedattachment device, mapping information in which data configured in afirst communication format and data configured in a second communicationformat in relation to one function of the electronic device are mapped.8. The user terminal of claim 7, further comprising a storage configuredto map identification information of the electronic device andidentification information of the selected attachment device, and storethe mapping information.
 9. The user terminal of claim 7, wherein theprocessor controls the display to display information related to afunction of the electronic device which is controllable by the selectedattachment device.
 10. The user terminal of claim 9, wherein theprocessor controls the display to display the information based on anoperation state of the electronic device received from to the selectedattachment device.
 11. The user terminal of claim 10, wherein theprocessor transmits data configured in the first communication format tothe selected attachment device, the data corresponding to a user inputwith respect to the displayed information related to the function of theelectronic device.
 12. The user terminal of claim 7, wherein theprocessor is configured to control at least one of the user terminal, ahub, and a cloud to transmit the mapping information to the selectedattachment device.